Dallas Cowboys' plan to replace DE Sam Williams is crystal clear

The Dallas Cowboys were hoping for a big year from DE Sam Williams in 2024. They won't even get to see it begin after he tore his ACL and MCL during a routine special teams drill on Sunday.

The news represents a tough blow for both Williams and the Cowboys, as this was supposed to be the biggest year of his career as the projected third defensive end behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. With the latter taking on some off-ball LB duties , the opportunity was ripe for Williams to have a big-time breakout season.

Unfortunately, in the fast-moving world of the NFL, there's only so much time for teams to lament themselves over an injury, no matter how brutal it is. So now, it's all about what the Cowboys do from here to replace Williams.

The Cowboys' plan to replace Sam Williams is already on the roster

Sure, the Cowboys should absolutely look at potential free agent signings or trades to boost the team's depth at a room with virtually no experience at all beyond the starters.

However, the plan to replace Williams is crystal clear and it starts with second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland.

It would probably be unfair to ask Kneeland to hit the ground running with a high snap count right away but the Cowboys have a special player in him. His play strength and power was evident at Western Michigan and that's why many considered it a steal when the team landed him at 54th overall back in April.

Mike Zimmer appears to be expecting Kneeland to ramp up his playing time following the news about Williams' torn ACL.

"With us moving (Micah) Parsons around a little bit, (Williams) was going to be out there with Parsons and (DeMarcus Lawrence)," Zimmer told 96.7 The Ticket on Monday . "Marshawn Kneeland has done a really nice job. He would’ve played anyway (...) I think he’s gonna end up having to play a lot now.”

Kneeland is reportedly off to a fast start at camp but will have his hands full starting on Tuesday when the pads come on for the first time in camp. Barring any surprise move involving a major big-name trade, Kneeland certainly looks like Plan A for the Cowboys to replace Williams.

Related: Cowboys takeaways from one week of training camp: Micah Parsons 'silenced' by rookie OL