The Dallas Cowboys‘ rushing defense has improved following the team’s trade for defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins back in late October. Unfortunately, a pectoral injury has Hankins sidelined for the rest of the regular season with a potential return set for the playoffs. But now, Dallas has found a possible replacement.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys announced the signing of Anthony Rush to the practice squad. The 6-4, 361-pound run-stuffer went undrafted out of UAB back in 2019. Since then, Rush has bounced around the NFL. Most recently, he’s had three different stints as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, mostly on their practice squad.
Despite being a journeyman, Rush has played a total of 30 NFL games, 10 of which as a starter. His total career stats include 40 combined tackles, 20 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and half a sack.
Before the trade for Hankins back in Week Eight, the Cowboys’ defense gave up an average of 120.14 rushing yards per game. Over the past four games, they’ve allowed just 95.75 yards on the ground per contest. Although both the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers rushed for over 200 yards each back in Week Eight and Week 10 respectively.
The Cowboys have plenty of defensive tackle talent still on their active roster with Quinton Bohanna, Neville Gallimore, and Osa Odighizuwa at the position. Throw in the team’s plethora of other defensive linemen like Carlos Watkins, Chauncey Golston, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams or even Micah Parsons who can all flip inside if needed. Still, having a true run-stuffer like Anthony Rush who can swallow up space in the middle of the line could prove to be invaluable in the absence of Johnathan Hankins.
