Shemar James Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Eagles vs Cowboys game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 29, 2025
Role remains solid
James recorded four tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 44-24 loss to the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
James had broken out in each of Dallas' previous three games, logging a combined 35 tackles. While his production took a downturn in Sunday's blowout loss, he still logged a 95 percent defensive snap rate. Expect James to bounce back in Week 9 against Arizona.
Oct 20, 2025
Solidifying starting role
James recorded nine tackles (four solo) including 1.0 sacks in Sunday's win over the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
The rookie linebacker tied Kenneth Murray for the team lead in tackles, and James also added his first career NFL sack. Jack Sanborn was back in action after a two-game absence due to a concussion but was limited to special-teams duties, while James was off the field for only one of 67 defensive snaps. Over three games since moving into the starting lineup, James has erupted for 35 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.
Oct 14, 2025
Leading tackler in loss
James totaled 11 tackles (six solo) in Dallas' loss to the Panthers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
James had a strong outing despite the loss, as he led the team in tackles. The rookie fifth-round pick has gotten off to a hot start since making his debut in the Week 4 tie versus the Packers, as he's recorded 31 tackles (15 solo) in just three games played.
Oct 13, 2025
Reaches double-digit tackles again
James recorded a team-high 11 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
The rookie linebacker has broken out for 26 tackles over the last two games, taking advantage of the absence of Jack Sanborn (concussion). Even when Sanborn is cleared to return, it's hard to imagine a struggling Cowboys defense returning James to the bench when he's been one of the few impact players on the unit the last two weeks.
Oct 6, 2025
Erupts for 15 tackles
James recorded 15 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Jack Sanborn left the game in the first half to be checked for a concussion and didn't return, and James seized the opportunity to make his case for a much bigger role. The 2025 fifth-round pick has the speed and athleticism to make a consistent impact in Matt Eberflus' LB-friendly defensive scheme, and Sanborn has been a liability in coverage to begin the season. Even if the veteran is healthy for a Week 6 clash with the Panthers, James may leap ahead of him on the depth chart.
Sep 29, 2025
Makes impact in NFL debut
James recorded five tackles (one solo) on 26 defensive snaps in Sunday's 40-40 overtime tie with the Packers.
ANALYSIS
A fifth-round pick in 2025, James was inactive for the first three games of the season, but the Florida product was busy late in Sunday's game after Kenneth Murray left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Murray was able to return to the field, but James may have made a good enough impression in his NFL debut to retain a role in the linebacker rotation for a Week 5 tilt against the Jets.
Aug 23, 2025
Picks off pass in preseason finale
James recorded five tackles (two solo) and an interception in Friday's preseason win over the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
The 2025 fifth-round pick has been coming on as training camp progressed, and he was in the right place at the right time Friday to pick off an Easton Stick pass over the middle early in the fourth quarter. James won't begin his career as a starter, but he appears to have done enough to secure a roster spot and should see snaps on special teams while working in as a depth option at linebacker behind Marist Liufau, Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn.
Aug 9, 2025
Getting first-team reps
James has been spotting in with the first-team defense in practice, Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2025 fifth-round pick isn't likely to win a starting role ahead of Week 1, but there are snaps available at linebacker due to DeMarvion Overshown (knee) being set to miss the beginning of the season. James is best suited to play against the run at this stage of his career, and his primary competition for early-down reps could come from veteran Jack Sanborn, who signed a one-year deal with Dallas in March.
Apr 26, 2025
Linebacker heads to Dallas
The Cowboys selected James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 152nd overall.
ANALYSIS
The Cowboys traded up to take James, who started 25 games over three seasons at Florida and tallied 166 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He'll turn 21 years old this summer. James (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) is a dependable run defender with impressive athleticism, and while he still needs development in pass coverage, he could develop into a starter eventually. The Cowboys currently have Jack Sanborn -- who has 19 NFL starts through three seasons -- atop the depth chart at middle linebacker. James can push for the starting gig, but he'll likely have to wait his turn while contributing on special teams.
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