Cowboys Activate Safety P.J. Locke From IR, Elevate TE James Mitchell for Arizona

Dallas filled its open 53-man spot on Saturday. The Cowboys activated safety P.J. Locke from reserve/injured-designated for return and elevated tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, per Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, with the same moves reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Locke is back

Locke tore his plantar fascia in Week 2 and went on injured reserve on Sept. 26. He played in two games before the injury, with one start and three tackles, per the Dallas Sports Journal. Dallas opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 23, and he was a full participant all week, per the Dallas Morning News.

The roster spot was open after the Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado on Tuesday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Friday the call was between Locke and outside linebacker Marist Liufau, and Locke got it.

Why Mitchell

Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is questionable with a groin injury and did not practice Thursday or Friday, per the Dallas Morning News. Mitchell gives Dallas another tight end behind Jake Ferguson if Schoonmaker can't go.

What's next

The Cowboys (3-4) host the Cardinals (2-5) at AT&T Stadium on Sunday at noon CT on FOX. KaVontae Turpin and Dee Winters are already ruled out.

Our Take: This is a special teams move as much as a secondary move. Locke is a core coverage player, and with Turpin and Winters out, Dallas needed bodies who know the kicking game. Getting a healthy veteran safety back for a game the Cowboys can't afford to lose is the right call.

Sources: Clarence Hill Jr. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), Jon Machota (The Athletic), Mike Garafolo (NFL Network), Dallas Morning News, Dallas Sports Journal