Cowboys' Damone Clark: Flashes potential in second half
Rotowire
Clark recorded 47 tackles (29 solo) and two forced fumbles over 10 regular-season games in 2022.
A fifth-round pick in 2022, the LSU star saw his draft stock drop precipitously after an MRI at the combine turned up a herniated disc that required spinal fusion surgery. There was talk Clark might essentially redshirt his first pro campaign, but he made a quick recovery and was able to suit up for the Cowboys by Week 8. The 22-year-old still showed elite speed after his return, and with Leighton Vander Esch and Anthony Barr both free agents this offseason, Clark could move into a starting role in the Dallas defense next season.
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Cowboys' Damone Clark: Sets NGS record in NFL debut
Rotowire
Clark saw his first action of the season in Sunday's win over the Bears, picking up six tackles and logging a top speed of 22.19 mph while chasing down Justin Fields -- setting a new Next Gen Stats record for a linebacker in the process, the Cowboys' official website reports.
The LSU star fell to the fifth round of the 2022 draft due to a back injury that required spinal fusion surgery, and it was feared he might miss his entire rookie season. Instead of redshirting, however, Clark was ready to go for Week 8, and while he was initially set to see special-teams duties in his first taste of NFL action, an injury to Anthony Barr (hamstring) opened the door for him to get reps on defense as well. The previous NGS record for top speed recorded by a linebacker was held by Micah Parsons, so the Cowboys may now have the fastest LB group in the entire league. Dallas will be on bye in Week 9, giving Clark more time to learn the nuances of coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme, but after his impressive NFL debut he could see a significant role in the second half.
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Cowboys' Damone Clark: Shifted to reserve list
Rotowire
The Cowboys placed Clark (back) on the reserve/non-football injury list Tuesday, Rob Phillips of the team's official site reports.
Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery in March and was placed on Dallas' active/NFI list at the opening of training camp as a result. Now, the rookie middle linebacker will become eligible to return after Dallas' fourth regular-season game, though it's unlikely that he will be ready to suit up until the 2023 campaign.
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Cowboys' Damone Clark: Starts camp on NFI list
Rotowire
Clark (back) was placed on the active/non-football injury list Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery in March, after an MRI at the NFL combine found a herniated disk. He is not expected to play in 2022.
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Cowboys' Damone Clark: Heads to Dallas
Rotowire
The Cowboys selected Clark (back) in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 176th overall.
Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery back in late March and is not expected to play in 2022. Prior to the medical problems, the senior was expected to be a possible Day 2 selection after leading the entire SEC in tackles (135). The LSU product was a full-time starter for just one season, but he's a solid and explosive athlete when healthy.
