With linebacker Marist Liufau and safety P.J. Locke in their 21-day evaluation windows for returning from injury, the Cowboys know they'll have to clear some space on the active roster in order to get them back on the field.

They may have begun making anticipatory moves. The team announced they have waived running back Emari Demercado and tight end D.J. Rogers.

Demercado was brought in just prior to the start of the regular season. He logged five carries for 15 yards and played just 14 total snaps across the Cowboys' first two games as the backup to Javonte Williams. The 27-year-old was inactive in Weeks 3 and 4, waived ahead of Week 5's battle with Tampa Bay, re-signed the next week, and left inactive for the past two outings.

Going undrafted out of TCU in 2023, Demercado played his first three seasons with Arizona; he'll miss a rematch against his old team when the Cardinals visit AT&T Stadium this weekend.

Rogers is also a Horned Frogs alum, an ex-teammate of Demercado for two college seasons. The undrafted free agent, in his rookie season with Dallas, suffered an MCL sprain during the preseason. He was waived with an injury designation during roster cuts and brought back to the IR list after he cleared waivers. Rogers did not make an appearance in a game this season.

The Cowboys have not yet activated either Liufau or Locke, but one roster slot is there for the taking when the team decides either defender is ready.