The defensive group continues to add elements of rigor to improve the team’s production. In something that had been talked about just a few weeks ago, linebacker Damone Clark is now set to join his teammates on the Dallas Cowboys. Very good news for a player who was not expected to be able to participate during this specific campaign.
According to Mike McCarthy’s statements, he has already confirmed that the linebacker is part of the group of 53. “I’m excited to see him again today,” said the head coach. What remains to be considered is how soon he will be able to appear on the field with the Cowboys.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy confirmed LB Damone Clark (neck) is joining 53-man roster. “I’m excited to see him go again today.” Decision still to come on how soon he’ll appear on 48-man game-day roster. https://t.co/JUfxo7gukU
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 26, 2022
So from any angle, it looks like the defender has done very well in practice. Since for three weeks he has been working with the group and managed to come off the non-discipline injured list.
Clark’s story is something to note as he finished with the Cowboys’ 176th pick in the fifth round. Despite being a great prospect, his number in the Draft dropped drastically thanks to spinal fusion surgery that was performed during the month of March, all prior to the Draft event.
This had its origin in the scouting combine. Since after performing an MRI on the player, it was discovered that he had a herniated disc in his back. Everything seems to indicate that it was the Cowboys’ medical team who discovered this injury as such. And despite the bad news, this didn’t limit the LSU linebacker from trying out.
As mentioned, the defender was not expected to play at any point in 2022. His recovery has been excellent and he will now be joining the likes of Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch at the position. We must not forget either that this type of injury is taken with great caution and is given even higher priority than other types of discomfort. So the fact that he recovered sooner than expected has been a big step forward.
Damone Clark.
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— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 12, 2022
One thing you might anticipate about Clark is that when he does step out onto the field, it’s probably going to be on special teams. He is the natural evolution of many rookies who are in the later rounds or who have not been selected in the draft process. But the very fact that he can make an appearance at some point in 2022 is practically a miracle.
From his experience as a defensive end at LSU, there’s a lot to take from the linebacker. First of all, he has a skill set that includes great physical size, speed and the range of motion that is sought after in the NFL. Along with this, he can move from one place to another without any problem, be it making coverage, paying attention to the rival’s ground game and even carrying out charges. In short, Damone is such a complete player that you don’t expect him to really have a problem adjusting to how tough the league is. Much less from the hand of his defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
The option to not activate the player was never really considered, mostly because they wouldn’t have him for the rest of the campaign. Also, the cowboy defense will need all the help it can get for the rest of the schedule. Even more so now that cornerback Jourdan Lewis will miss the entire season thanks to the right foot injury he sustained on his interception against the Lions.
It’s just time to be patient and wait for Damone Clark’s debut with the Dallas Cowboys. At the moment, the lone star team is preparing for its clash against the Bears for week 8. But it never hurts to know that there is another element that will be available to help the group.
