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Cowboys lose veteran defender to season-ending knee injury

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams will miss the 2024 season after tearing multiple ligaments in his left knee during Sunday’s practice, the team’s website reported.

Williams suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament while he was blocking during a special teams drill.

After recording 8.5 sacks over his first two NFL seasons, Williams was expected to play a greater role in Dallas’ pass rush alongside fellow defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons.

Williams, 25, has tallied 48 tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 32 games (0 starts) for the Cowboys since being drafted in the second round out of Ole Miss in 2022.

Dallas’ veteran defensive depth dwindled this past offseason after Dante Fowler (45 career sacks) and Dorance Armstrong Jr. (23.5) left for the Washington Commanders in free agency.

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The Cowboys selected Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland in the second round (No. 56 overall) in April’s draft.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY