Cowboys Defensive End Skip Practice After Donating Blood to Support Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

Cowboys Defensive End Skip Practice After Donating Blood to Support Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

Arlington, TX — The Dallas Cowboys were missing one of their promising defensive ends in practice today — and the reason had nothing to do with injury. It was about family, sacrifice, and priorities beyond the field.

According to team sources, Marshawn Kneeland — the second-year edge rusher — was excused from drills after donating blood earlier this week to aid his mother’s heart valve replacement surgery. His absence was officially listed as “Did Not Participate,” with the organization emphasizing that his priorities are exactly where they belong.

Kneeland, selected in the second round (56th overall) out of Western Michigan in 2024, has been carving out a growing role in Dallas’ rotation under Dan Quinn. Through the first four games of the 2025 season, he’s recorded 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 assists) and notched 1.0 sack (8 yards). He’s also credited with 3 quarterback pressures — ranking him fifth on the team behind Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark.

While he hasn’t forced a fumble or grabbed an interception yet, his consistent presence off the edge has been valuable to a defense still adjusting after major roster changes. His development remains one of Dallas’ key storylines this season.

Head coach Mike McCarthy commended Kneeland’s decision:

“What Marshawn did for his mother says everything about who he is. Football is important, but moments like these remind us what really matters. We support him fully.”

Cowboys fans responded immediately on social media, praising Kneeland’s character and his willingness to put family first. Though he was absent from practice today, he’s expected to return soon — and when he does, he’ll carry not just the hunger to pressure quarterbacks, but also the strength of a son who chose love over the game in that moment.