The Dallas Cowboys' defense suffered an early blow to the defensive unit after the former Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher received a suspension ahead of the training camp at Oxnard.

Edge rusher Charles Snowden, who is currently under a one-year contract with the Cowboys, was suspended for the first three games of the 2026 season due to a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

“Cowboys DE Charles Snowden has been suspended for the first three games of the season, per today’s wire,” Adam Schefter reported via his X post on July 14.

According to the NFL statement, Snowden’s suspension will take effect when the roster is cut to 53 players, which will place him on the reserve list.

Snowden's suspension could be a result of his no-contest plea made in January, due to a DUI charge he faced in 2024, while he was playing for the Raiders, according to Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today,

He debuted in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2021 and had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, being placed on the practice squad.

Before signing a one-year, $1.075M deal with the Cowboys in June, he played for two years with the Raiders, recording 4.5 sacks, 67 tackles (35 solo), across 31 games played (18 starts).

While Snowden was added to the Cowboys roster to provide depth and capitalize on his physical tools, his current suspension could put his place on the 53-man roster at risk.

Snowden's potential role in the Cowboys' pass-rush unit

The Cowboys added Snowden to be a reliable depth piece in the pass rush rotation behind veteran Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and rookie Malachi Lawrence. His physical frame and run defense skills set him apart and give him an edge in gaining more tackles.

"Snowden’s length at 6’6” and his athleticism made him an attractive option to bring into the fold for the Cowboys, who are putting an emphasis on creating more pressure off the edges this season," LP Cruz of Blogging the Boys wrote in his article.

While Snowden was expected to compete for the final roster spot with Isaiah Land, Tyrus Wheat, and Adedayo Odeleye, his current suspension could be a "step down" in the roster spot

Snowden won't be eligible to suit up early in the regular season, but training camp and the preseason provide him with an opportunity to make a strong impression on Christian Parker and the Cowboys' defensive staff.

What are your thoughts on Snowden's suspension? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar