Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Marist Liufau will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm, which is expected to sideline him for an extended period. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that the injury took place during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints while Liufau was attempting a tackle in the first quarter.
Schottenheimer praised Liufau's competitive nature, expressing confidence in his return, stating, "What a great competitor. He'll be back." Drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft from Notre Dame, Liufau has played in all 34 games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons.
As he begins his third season, he has moved from inside linebacker to outside linebacker under defensive coordinator Christian Parker's direction.
Last season, Liufau significantly increased his involvement in special teams, participating in 75% of the snaps, up from 35% in his rookie year. He acknowledged the importance of special teams for securing roster positions, emphasizing the need to prioritize team success over personal pride. Schottenheimer noted the impact of Liufau's absence, saying, "Unfortunately, it's part of the business."
With roster decisions approaching, Liufau's injury could affect the Cowboys' plans. NFL teams are allowed to designate two players for return, but they must be out for a minimum of four weeks. The timeline for Liufau's recovery remains uncertain, especially in light of other injury issues the team is facing.
