The Dallas Cowboys added linebacker depth Saturday, announcing they are bringing up 24-year-old Justin Barron up from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s Week 3 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Barron, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound former Syracuse standout from Rocky Hill, Connecticut, signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after going unselected in the draft.
He spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad, appeared in two late-season games on special teams, then was waived at final cuts this August and immediately re-signed to the practice squad.
He was elevated for Week 2 against Washington and is now back on the gameday roster as Dallas tightens its defense before an international showcase.
The timing is not accidental. Dallas placed safety P.J. Locke on injured reserve and is already without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.
Cornerback Reddy Steward was also elevated from the practice squad, giving the Cowboys extra bodies against a Ravens offense built around Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and tight end Isaiah Likely.
Barron is not expected to replace Overshown on every down. His more likely role is coverage insurance in dime packages and a familiar special-teams contributor after logging about 30 special-teams snaps last season.
Both teams enter the game 1-1. Dallas bounced back from a Week 1 loss to the Giants with a 37-20 win over the Commanders. Baltimore opened with a blowout of Indianapolis, then dropped a 24-17 home decision to the Saints. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Brazil.
The Cowboys’ run defense has been a concern — they have allowed 173.5 rushing yards per game — which makes Henry and Jackson a difficult pairing. Extra linebacker depth is a small but practical hedge.
Barron impressed in camp this summer, including a joint practice against the Rams in which he hauled in three interceptions. That athletic profile is why Dallas kept bringing him back.
Practice-squad promotions can be weekly or, as some reports indicated Saturday, a full signing that gives the club a longer protection window.
Either way, the message is the same: the Cowboys want Barron available when the lights come on in Rio.
For a 24-year-old still fighting for a lasting roster spot, Sunday is another audition on a bigger stage than most undrafted linebackers ever see.
Dallas needs bodies. Barron needs snaps. Against Baltimore, those needs finally line up.
