Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashaan Evans was arrested on Dec. 26, 2023, by Frisco police. He was released by the team the following day.
The Frisco Police Department told Local Profile Evans was arrested for possession of 2 - 4 ounces of marijuana the day after Christmas. However, according to ESPN, the Cowboys said Evans' release was not directly related to his arrest.
According to the Cowboys, the release comes just before the team plays the Detroit Lions, the “biggest challenge” of the season. Evans, being waived by the club, allowed Matt Waletzko to be reactivated from injured reserve to take his position.
In a press conference on Dec. 27, head coach Mike McCarthy addressed inquiries about the decision. McCarthy mentioned that there are still aspects to be finalized later in the week regarding Evans, as he is currently subject to waivers. If he clears waivers, there is a possibility of him being re-signed to Dallas' practice squad.
"We'll answer that at the end of the week," McCarthy said. "I think that's important to be answered then. These are roster moves, and they're tough moves. It's a bit of a catch-22. We're a healthy football team, and we hope that it stays that way. But when you get down to this time of year, you start to project, particularly with young players, this is why you have to make tough decisions like this."
Waletzko is a second-year lineman, but the first two seasons of his career were stalled by shoulder issues.
"We felt the depth with Wally would be beneficial," McCarthy said. "We feel Wally is ready to go. His time has been well spent in the weight room and training and I think the depth at the tackle position is important."
Evans joined the Cowboys after Leighton Vander Esch suffered a season-ending neck injury. With an impressive track record of 67 starts in his initial five seasons, Evans achieved career-high statistics in 2022, excelling in combined tackles (159), solo tackles (86), pass breakups (4) and fumble recoveries.