Marist Liufau’s Dallas Cowboy timeline just hit a brick wall. During the first quarter of the preseason finale versus the New Orleans Saints, a bubble player on the team sustained a severe injury. This wasn’t a minor tweak. It was a fractured forearm that will require surgery. The injury puts his spot on the final roster in deep trouble right now.
He’s out.
The Injury Was Bad and Fast
Things went wrong quickly during the game. Medical personnel are attending to Cowboys OLB Marist Liufau, who is currently down. While kneeling on the ground, he was observed clutching his wrist. The broadcast indicated that Liufau carries a wrist injury and is listed as questionable to resume play. But the news got worse after the game ended. Reports confirm he needs surgery on a fractured forearm. He will miss some weeks of crucial camp time.
Think about the timing for a guy trying to make the team. Regarding general team selection, he has been among the players facing a roster bubble. The team likes his special teams ability, which is often the only way for a player like him to stick around. Now that ability is gone for the rest of the preseason. Losing a player who can cover kicks and punts is a huge blow to the coaching staff.
Roster Spot Now in Jeopardy
The Cowboys have a very small window to prove their worth. With Liufau out, the team must find someone else to fill that special teams role. Williams and Liufau were among drafted Cowboys still on the bubble. Now Williams might have to carry the load alone while the team watches Liufau heal. This changes the entire math for the final roster cuts. A player who was a lock for a special teams spot is now a major question mark.
It is tough to see a young player go down like this. He worked hard to get to this point. But the NFL is a physical league, and injuries happen fast. The team cannot wait around for him to return. They need a solution today. The final cut deadline is coming up fast. If Liufau cannot play, the Cowboys might have to cut him to save a roster spot for a healthy player. That is the harsh reality of the business.
The path back for Liufau will be long. He has to heal the bone first. Then he has to get his strength back. Then he has to show he can play fast again. That is a lot to ask in a short time. The team will miss his energy on special teams. They will miss his speed on coverage units. This injury is a real setback for a player who was trying to earn his place. The Cowboys hope he gets healthy, but the roster spot might already be gone.
