The Dallas Cowboys’ young edge rusher is finally back on the field and looking to regain the form that once made him one of the team’s most promising defensive players.

Cowboys reporter Brandon Loree recently shared a post detailing Donovan Ezeiruaku's rehab progress following his surgery.

Dallas continues offseason preparations ahead of training camp, where the team is evaluating depth with the defensive line after multiple roster changes and injury concerns over the past two seasons.

The post was captioned, "#Cowboys Donovan Ezeiruaku entering Year 2. Eze looks to be moving well in his recovery from offseason hip surgery."

The caption references a torn labrum that Ezeiruaku suffered during his rookie season. He underwent hip surgery to repair the labrum tear in early 2026.

The 2026 campaign is vital for Ezeiruaku and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses last season, which led to them missing the postseason.

The defensive player has recorded 40 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks during his first season in the NFL. Before being drafted in 2025, he racked up 8.5 sacks in his sophomore year (2022) and 16.5 sacks in 2024.

The Cowboys hope to enter as a powerful playoff contender this year. Ezeiruaku will have a major role in making Dallas' hope come true.

Despite missing the spring offseason program due to hip surgery recovery, Ezeiruaku is continuing to progress under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Sam Williams, who shares the same position as Ezeiruaku, also missed the 2024 season due to a knee injury. But he, too, has bounced back.

Sam Williams Changes His Position, As He Just Wants to Stay With Dallas

Sam Williams opened up about finding ways to "stay and move" during his recovery process, highlighting both the physical and mental work required to regain top form.

Despite Williams' injury, the Ole Miss standout stayed connected with the team and focused on his power.

"I got other offers at other places, but once the Cowboys wanted me back, it was a no-brainer," said Williams.

It may look like Williams just doesn't want to relocate. But staying with the Cowboys will bring a change and a shift in his position. He is welcoming a new role under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

He is going to be an outside linebacker at the Cowboys. He said, "This is what I did at Ole Miss, and I'm very happy."

This might sound like a major shift in position from Defensive End, but it isn't new for him. In fact, he will be able to use his speed and strength more as an OLB.

Williams has signed a one-year, $3 million contract for the 2026 season and might find himself in the same position again next year.

What are your views on Donovan Ezeiruaku entering his second year? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit