The Dallas Cowboys have turned to an offensive lineman with prior experience with the team after an injury update of backup center Matt Hennessy.

As reported by Mike Moraitis of Sports Illustrated, the Cowboys signed offensive lineman Chris Glaser to address center depth concerns behind center Cooper Beebe.

“The signing of Glaser comes after Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters during OTAs that backup center Matt Hennessy was dealing with a neck injury that required surgery and could lead to him starting the season on the physically unable to perform list,” wrote Moraitis.

Hennessy's injury has created uncertainty behind starting center Cooper Beebe, which helps explain Dallas' decision to bring back a familiar face in Glaser. With training camp approaching, the Cowboys appear focused on strengthening their depth.

Glaser had previously spent a brief time with the Cowboys' practice squad in 2023 before joining the Jets for the second time.

"Glaser offers versatility with his experience playing at both guard and center," per Mike Moraitis of SI.com.

Glaser signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2022, before having his first stint with the New York Jets.

Glaser made his NFL debut in 2023 with the Jets, where he appeared for five games with the team. He posted 57 snaps in Week 11, six snaps in Week 14, and 20 snaps in Week 17.

"He posted a pass-blocking grade of 59.5 and a run-blocking grade of 52.6 in 83 snaps in 2023, per Pro Football Focus."

He played for the UFL’s Columbus Aviators for the 2026 season after he was waived by the Chicago Bears as part of roster cuts. He appeared in the three games with the Bears in 2024.

Glaser appeared for nine games with the Aviators (starting eight games), catching a pass for 21 yards in a game against Birmingham on May 17, according to Terence Watson of Cowboys Wire. 

The addition of Glaser strengthens the Cowboys' depth at the center, but the team has also been evaluating other in-house options behind Cooper Beebe.

Cowboys Turning To Guard T.J. Bass Amid Center Depth Concerns

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, T.J. Bass was projected to be the next option behind Hennessy.

"The starting center is Cooper Beebe, but the backup is open for interpretation," Watkins wrote. "Matt Hennessy suffered a neck injury during OTAs and will be out for an undetermined length of time. That’s pushed T.J. Bass to backup center. Bass took snaps with the first and second team offense during OTA practices."

Bass has previously played as a left guard and left tackle during his collegiate years and has been switching between backup left and right guard since signing with the Cowboys in 2023.

He has started 10 of 48 games played across three seasons, logging 1,009 offensive snaps with the Cowboys.

Bass fills the immediate gap, but the Cowboys' center depth remains unsettled. There is also veteran Nick Leverett on the team, and now Glaser is in the mix.

Until Hennessy's status becomes clearer, the Cowboys are expected to continue evaluating options behind Beebe, which is why Glaser's return could prove important in addressing the team's center-depth concerns.

What do you think about Chris Glaser's signing? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey