Following news that defensive tackle Stephen Paea had informed the Cowboys that he intended to retire, the organization has added some defensive line help. ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that the organization has promoted Richard Ash from the practice squad.
Ash, 25, entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie out of Western Michigan in 2015. The nose tackle spent the first two seasons of his career with the Jaguars, and the Cowboys signed him off the Jacksonville practice squad in late 2016. He was ultimately waived by the organization in early September, but he landed back on the team’s practice squad soonafter. Ash has three career games under his belt, having compiled six total tackles. Ash will now presumably slide in behind David Irving, Maliek Collins, and Brian Price on the depth chart.
Paea, a seven-year veteran, suddenly informed the organization that he intended to retire earlier this month. The 29-year-old had struggled for much of the campaign, ranking towards the bottom of the league in Pro Football Focus’ interior defensive lineman rankings. Paea was also suffering through a knee injury, which surely contributed to his decision.