Before the Week 3 matchup against the Bears, the Cowboys went out and got Jadeveon Clowney to help bolster their defensive line. Following a couple of practice sessions with the team, Clowney was unexpectedly put on the bench. The Cowboys’ front office and coach Brian Schottenheimer said they will assess his condition this week. Now, with Micah Parsons and the Packers on the horizon, Schottenheimer plans to use Clowney in a critical role.

The Cowboys are not only preparing for Parsons, but they are also willing to fan out the defensive depth. Though Clowney could have made his season debut in week 3, Schottenheimer revealed that Clowney will be taking on the gridiron on Sunday. “I hope a lot. He’s had a good week of practice. He’s very, very excited.” He’ll be on a pitch count. “We’ll be smart with him,” Schottenheimer said in a press conference on Friday.

This might be the perfect time to debut the 32-year-old this season. Without OT Zach Tom, the Packers’ offensive line went downhill in Week 3. The Browns’ defense took full advantage by racking up seven quarterback hits, six tackles, and five sacks. According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, Green Bay allowed 15 total pressures from the combination of Rasheed Walker, Morgan, Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton, and Elgton Jenkins.

This is definitely a reason for Clowney and Matt Eberflus to smile. He can use Clowney for a 1-on-1 matchup with defensive tackle Kenny Clarke Jr. in the middle. It is important, as the Cowboys’ defense has had a tough time generating pressure this year, with Sam Williams leading the team with 10 QB pressures, whereas the next four defenders have only 15 pressures combined. More than a need for the Cowboys, Clowney has earned his spot for Sunday. Last year, Clowney recorded 22 pressures and 5.5 sacks with the Panthers, and on Sunday, he can be a difference-maker.

Jadeveon Clowney voices frustration after inactive status

The Cowboys’ defense suffered on Sunday with a loss to the Bears, giving up 31 points and 385 total yards. More worrying, though, was the fact that they were the first team to face Bears QB Caleb Williams without getting at least one sack, a trend that started at Stanford on Sept. 9, 2023. The Cowboys have prided themselves in the past on consistently applying pressure to the opponent, but this was not evident on Sunday. Jadeveon Clowney couldn’t help but feel that he might have turned the situation around.

“Very tough, especially because I thought I was going to play a little bit,” Clowney said, via Tommy Yarrish of the team website. “Yeah, it was tough, but… just get ready for my opportunity when it comes. Hopefully, I get one this week.”

The veteran rusher in passes has his past performances to back him. Even though he is not Micah Parsons (52.5 sacks in just four years at Dallas), Clowney remains the Cowboys’ most successful and experienced pass rusher after him. Clowney, being 32 years old, feels like his support and energy might still help him make a difference. “A lot, man,” Clowney said. “Just my energy, my hustle, and I think that is going to be the perfect combination that I undertake. Leaving it to my playing to assert it.”

With Parsons, Dallas’ defense had been ranked as the best in the NFL in terms of quarterback pressure percentage (40.2%). After Parsons left, it was “a need of the hour” to bring him in. A mere three games without him have caused this number to fall to 29.9%, the seventh-lowest in the league.