Cowboys LB Marist Liufau Slated for Surgery After Forearm Fracture in 27-24 Loss

Marist Liufau suffered a fractured left forearm during the first quarter of the Dallas Cowboys' 27-24 preseason finale loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Marist Liufau is scheduled to undergo surgery as early as Monday to repair a fractured left forearm. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Friday’s preseason finale at Arlington, Texas, where the Cowboys fell to the New Orleans Saints with a final score of 27-24. Liufau sustained the break while attempting to make a tackle and was later seen in the locker room wearing a soft cast and a sling.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the fracture following the three-point defeat, stating that the linebacker is expected to miss "weeks" of action. However, owner and general manager Jerry Jones offered a more optimistic timeline after consulting with medical staff. Jones noted that the break is located in a favorable spot for recovery, suggesting the 2024 third-round pick could return "quickly" if the surgical procedure is successful.

Roster Implications and Injured Reserve Options

The timing of the injury complicates the Cowboys' impending roster decisions, as the team must finalize its 53-man squad by Sunday. Dallas has the option to utilize one of two available injured reserve/designated to return slots for Liufau during the final cutdown. If the team selects this path, the linebacker would be required to sit out at least the first four games of the regular season.

Liufau joined the Cowboys as a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. During the offseason, he transitioned from an off-ball linebacker role to an edge player, a move that had reportedly impressed the coaching staff prior to the preseason finale. His absence leaves a void in a defensive unit that struggled to contain the Saints in the narrow exhibition loss.

Impact on Special Teams Units

Beyond his defensive contributions, Liufau served as a cornerstone for the Cowboys' special teams. Schottenheimer described him as a "four-core" player, meaning he participated in all four primary special teams units rather than just two or three. The coach emphasized that Liufau plays with a level of violence that the team will now have to replicate through other players on the roster.

"Losing Marist as a football player is tough," Schottenheimer remarked, noting that the linebacker is expected to attack his rehabilitation process aggressively. The team plans to move forward with a "next man up" philosophy as they prepare for the regular season without one of their most versatile young defenders.

Recovery Outlook and Medical Evaluation

Jerry Jones characterized the specific nature of the fracture as "the one to have" if an athlete must suffer such an injury. This medical assessment suggests the bone alignment may facilitate a faster healing process than typical forearm breaks. The surgery, intended to stabilize the left arm, remains the immediate priority before a definitive return-to-play date is established.

As the Cowboys transition from the preseason to the regular schedule, the health of their 2024 draft class remains a focal point. Liufau's development as a hybrid edge rusher was a significant storyline during training camp, and his ability to contribute to multiple phases of the game makes his sudden exit a critical loss for the Dallas depth chart.