Johnathan

Hankins

Originally a second-round pick of the Giants, the 32-year-old Hankins has totaled 17.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss in 12 career seasons. He most recently spent 2023 with the Cowboys, starting 14 games and tallying three sacks. Hankins was a solid contributor in the middle of the defensive line, and while the Cowboys did want him back, the Seahawks made the more compelling offer. Hankins now adds size to a defensive line with Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones in the middle.

Smith missed Week 16 with a thigh injury and is now listed with a back injury. The Cowboys play a Saturday game, so Smith has a few days to practice and return as a key piece for the offensive line. DT Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle) also did not practice, potentially leaving the Cowboys without a pair of key contributors in the trenches against the Lions.

In addition to Hankins, S Malik Hooker (ankle) was also a non-participant on Wednesday. It is still early in the week, but if both Hooker and Hankins can’t go, the Cowboys defense will be weaker against a high-powered Dolphins offense in Week 16.

Hankins was helped off the field by the training staff before being carted to the locker room with his shoe off for further examination. He is questionable to return.

Hankins was traded to the Cowboys near last year’s trade deadline, as the team gave up a sixth-round pick for the veteran lineman. A pectoral strain limited him to just five games with the Cowboys last season, as he finished 2022 with 10 tackles and one TFL with his new squad. He’ll serve as added depth along the defensive line next season.

He’ll likely be sidelined a bit, as pec strains can be especially challenging for linemen. Hankins’ exit should get Quinton Bohanna and Carlos Watkins more involved inside for Dallas.

Hankins was initially called questionable to return, but was downgraded to out after halftime. He’s featured in Dallas’ run defense since being acquired near the trade deadline. Dallas will rely on their lower depth linemen.

The Raiders will get a seventh-round pick back in 2024. It’s probably fair value for the Raiders given Hankins is a 30-year-old rotational piece. Hankins is a veteran run-stuffer with a small salary who should fit into Dallas’ defensive line room. He’s been with the Raiders since 2018 and had 10 tackles through his first five games of the season.

Mullen Instagramed himself in recovery from an offseason surgery but the team hasn’t commented on it publicly; he also missed 12 games in his third season to toe and foot injuries that had him on IR. Hankins has been the team’s starting nose tackle since 2018.

Hankins played in 15 games for the Raiders, logging at least 29 snaps in every game. He failed to record a sack for the second time in his last four seasons but recorded two hits and six hurries. Hankins turned 30 in January, and 2022 will be his 10th NFL season. He’s unlikely to deliver many big plays but will offer a steady presence on the inside of the defensive line.