The Cowboys announced they waived linebacker Rashaan Evans on Wednesday morning, one day after he was arrested in Frisco for marijuana possession, a Frisco police spokesperson said.
These two events are not necessarily related.
A team official downplayed the influence that Tuesday’s arrest had on the transaction. A variety of factors were considered, including the Cowboys’ need to clear a roster spot for offensive tackle Matt Waletzko. He tweaked his shoulder in the preseason and missed the regular season’s first 15 games. Facing the conclusion of a 21-day practice window, Waletzko needed to be either activated to the 53-man roster or remain on injured reserve, missing the season’s remainder.
Evans’ arrest for possessing between 2 and 4 oz. of marijuana, a misdemeanor, carried little weight.
The Cowboys needed to cut someone. Evans, whom the Tennessee Titans drafted in the 2018 first round, did not prove himself indispensable during a nine-game audition.
“As you look at your roster, these really are conversations that have been going on for weeks,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We feel Wally is ready to go. His time has been well spent in the weight room and training. I think the depth at the tackle position is important.”
Left tackle Tyron Smith (back) missed Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins following an injection. His replacement, Chuma Edoga, was a limited participant during Wednesday’s practice because of a toe issue. Waletzko’s shoulder injury was not considered significant and didn’t require surgery. He suffered it during the Cowboys’ second exhibition and returned to play a week later.
Evans still could join the Cowboys’ practice squad if he clears waivers Thursday afternoon.
McCarthy declined to comment when asked Wednesday to detail why Evans didn’t pan out in Dallas.
“We’ll answer that at the end of the week,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s important for that to be answered then. These roster moves are tough moves. It’s a bit of a catch-22. We’re a healthy football team, and we hope it stays that way. But then you get down to this time of the year, and you start to project, particularly young players. This is why you have to make a tough decision like this. It really stems from being healthy but also the tackle position. We just felt the depth with Wally would be beneficial.”
Evans played just seven snaps Sunday, all on special teams.
Right guard Zack Martin (rest), nose tackle Johnathan Hankins (ankle/knee) and running back Rico Dowdle (ankle) joined Smith as having not practiced Thursday. Dowdle has dealt with the ankle issue for a few weeks now. The extra rest could be in response to the Cowboys playing the Detroit Lions on Saturday during a short week, but his status will gain clarity as the week progresses.
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