Jackson State's most pressing NFL headline this week comes out of Dallas, where linebacker James Houston left Thursday's Cowboys practice with an injury, casting a shadow over his preseason availability.
Houston, one of several Jackson State alumni currently on NFL rosters, has been carving out a role in Dallas's linebacker corps — making his early exit from practice a notable concern as teams ramp up preseason game action. The Cowboys offered no immediate timeline or diagnosis, leaving his status uncertain as the roster competition intensifies.
JSU in the League
Houston isn't alone in keeping the Jackson State flag flying across the NFL. The Tigers have representation on five rosters heading into the 2026 preseason:
- Isaiah Bolden (Eagles, LB)
- Devonta Davis (Colts, LB)
- James Houston (Cowboys, LB)
- Robert McDaniel (Buccaneers, LB)
- Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jaguars, DB)
The linebacker pipeline out of Jackson State is particularly striking — four of the five active alumni play the position, a testament to the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent at that level.
What's at Stake for Houston
Preseason injuries carry outsized weight for players still fighting for roster spots or defined roles. With cut-down deadlines looming as August winds down, any missed practice time chips away at opportunities to make an impression on coaching staffs. Houston's situation will be one to monitor closely as the Cowboys release more information in the coming days.
For Jackson State fans tracking their alumni across the league, the hope is that Thursday's exit proves minor — and that Houston is back on the field before the Cowboys' preseason schedule closes out.
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