Return of the Injured: Dallas Cowboys Consider Activating Three Players for Season Finale
As the 2025 regular season winds down, the Dallas Cowboys are considering activating three players from injured reserve for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Phil Mafah, defensive end Payton Turner, and cornerback Josh Butler have all been given a 21-day practice window to potentially make their return to the field. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer is eager to see them back in action and competing.
Among the three players, Josh Butler has faced the most challenging journey back to the field. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in late November 2024 and has been working hard to recover for nearly a year. Despite expressing his readiness to return, the Cowboys have been cautious in their approach. Butler had a standout performance against the Washington Commanders in 2024 before his injury against the New York Giants.
Payton Turner and Phil Mafah have yet to make their regular-season debut for the Cowboys. Turner, signed as a free agent in March, suffered a rib injury in August that placed him on injured reserve. Mafah, a seventh-round pick in April, also landed on IR in August due to a shoulder injury. Both players have shown promise in training camp and preseason but have been sidelined due to their injuries.
The Cowboys have not announced the date of their regular-season finale against the Giants, but the 21-day practice window opening on December 17 means a decision on the three players' activation is imminent. The team will need to assess their readiness and potential impact on the field before the season concludes. The clock is ticking for Mafah, Turner, and Butler to have a chance to contribute in the 2025 season.