Dallas Cowboys EDGE rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku put together a promising rookie season, performing well as a pass-rusher, though his sacks will come, and excelling against the run. He recorded 36 pressures, 22 hurries, 12 quarterback hits, two sacks, one safety, one forced fumble, and a 12.6% pass-rush win rate across 17 games, including nine starts, accounting for 55% of defensive snaps. Ezeiruaku also posted 40 tackles, nine TFLs, 18 run stops, and an 8.1% stop rate, which ranked sixth among EDGE rushers who played a minimum of 50% of snaps.
Little did he know he played through a significant injury during most of his rookie year despite not being listed on the injury report.
Dallas Cowboys get unfortunate news on promising 2nd-round pick
USATSI 27930847 168400517 lowres scaled
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
According to Todd Archer of ESPN NFL Nation,Donovan Ezeiruaku underwent hip surgery five weeks ago to repair a labrum tear. As a result, this will prevent him from being a full participant in the offseason program, which includes voluntary organized team activities and mandatory mincamp. The Cowboys hope that Ezeiruaku will be ready for training camp, which begins in late July.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is five weeks removed from hip surgery that will prevent him from being a full participant in the offseason program, per source. The expectation is he will be ready for training camp.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 2, 2026
Ezeiruaku’s recent surgery affects the promising second-round pick because of the Cowboys’ recent scheme change, from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. He has primarily played under a 4-3 scheme and will have to transition from a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end to a standing outside linebacker, occasionally dropping into coverage. Since he may not be available for practice until training camp, he may struggle to adapt once the season starts.
Also Read: “I’m Very Hungry”: Dallas Cowboys Key Pass Rusher Facing Contract Year