The Dallas Cowboys are fine-tuning their roster ahead of the playoffs. The Cowboys signed veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes to their practice squad ahead of their regular season finale against the Washington Commanders, the team announced Saturday.
An All-Pro cornerback during his years with the Vikings, Rhodes was waived by the Bills earlier this week. The 32- and 10-year-old veteran has played just two games this season for Buffalo. He spent the previous two seasons at Indianapolis, where he had 29 starts. Rhodes recorded two interceptions — including his second career pick — in his freshman year with the Colts while helping Indianapolis clinch a playoff berth.
The 25th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Rhodes enjoyed a highly successful seven-year streak with the Vikings. During that span, Rhodes was named to three Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro in 2017. He recorded a career-high five steals in 2016 — his first Pro Bowl season — which included a comeback. 100-yard interception for a score.
In 135 career games, Rhodes has 13 interceptions, 92 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 457 tackles.
Rhodes will join a defensive backfield in Dallas that includes current starting cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Nahshon Wright. Dallas lost starting cornerback Anthony Brown last month after tearing his Achilles tendon. Nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis suffered a season-ending injury in October after breaking his right foot.
Despite those injuries, the Cowboys are still sixth in the NFL in points defense and ninth in passing yards allowed. Dallas’ defensive success moved the team to 4-1 in Dak Prescott’s five-game absence earlier in the season.
The Cowboys currently retain the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs. Dallas (12-4) would claim the NFC East Division crown with a win over Washington and an Eagles loss to the Giants on Sunday.
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