Deal Done:Detriot Lions Sign Cowboys Ex Lineman Ahead of NFC Championship….
FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys won’t be taking part in the NFC Championship game in San Francisco on Sunday, but a former guard might be.
On Tuesday, former Cowboys guard Matt Farniok was signed to the Lions’ practice squad ahead of Detroit’s matchup with the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
Farniok was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round in 2021 and released by Dallas this past August after falling behind rookies Asim Richards and T.J. Bass on the depth chart.
While with Dallas, Farniok struggled with pass blocking and per Pro Football Focus, his overall grade was 39.1, with a 41.7 in run blocking and a 31.4 in pass blocking.
He was picked up by the Bears and added to their practice squad in September before being cut in November. In December the Lions signed him to their practice squad but he was subsequently cut on Jan. 5 before being picked back up by Detroit on Tuesday.
Detroit’s offensive line is dealing with injuries ahead of the title game as guard Jonah Jackson and center Frank Ragnow are both officially labeled as questionable for Sunday. Jackson is dealing with a minor meniscus tear while Ragnow suffered a sprained knee in the Lions’ win over the Buccaneers last weekend.
In November, Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai went on injured reserve and was lost for the season with a back injury.
Farniok now could have a chance to play for an injury-depleted Lions offensive line in the NFC title game and possibly beyond while the Cowboys sit at home and watch.
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The Detroit Lions are about to play in the biggest game for their franchise in the last three decades. On Sunday the Lions will play the San Francisco 49ers for a right to go to the Super Bowl. Obviously, this late in the season injuries will play a role for all four teams left standing.
Just days before the NFC Championship Game, the Lions signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad. According to quarterback Jared Goff, Ertz should have been able to play on Sunday.
He’s picked it up extremely fast,” Goff said. “He really has. Really impressive, not that you didn’t expect that from a guy like him who’s been around for so long. I’ve known him here and there throughout the years, and just hearing about how smart he is and how well he can pick up things, he’s done it really well this week. It’s been good.
After starting seven games for the Cardinals during the regular season, Ertz requested and received his release to sign with a contender. A move to the active roster could still be in the cards if the Lions are able to advance to the Super Bowl.
