Leaked Cowboys Season Opener Lineup Stuns Fans: Former Eagle Returns, Rookie Thrown Into Fire,...- A Bold Gamble Under Schottenheimer

Dallas, TX – September 4, 2025 – Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Dallas Cowboys begin their 2025 season with the fiercest stage possible: a primetime opener against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The rivalry was already electric, but a leaked starting lineup hours before kickoff sent Cowboys Nation buzzing — familiar faces returning, rookies thrust into the spotlight,and one former Eagle suiting up against his old team.

Offense: Dak Leads, Lamb–Pickens Ignite The Air Attack

Quarterback Dak Prescott (2–1 all-time vs. Jalen Hurts) commands the offense once again. His top target, CeeDee Lamb (1,496 yards in 2024), will test Philadelphia’s secondary. The shocker comes with George Pickens — newly acquired from the Steelers — immediately elevated into a starting role alongside Lamb, forming one of the NFC’s most dangerous wideout duos.

In the backfield, Javonte Williams locks down the RB1 role. But all eyes will be on Miles Sanders, once a Philly fan favorite, now returning to Lincoln Financial Field wearing a star on his helmet. Rookie Jaydon Blue adds depth and could become an x-factor if Schottenheimer looks to rotate backs.

Defense: Key Returns, But No Parsons

The defense welcomes back CB Trevon Diggs and OT Tyler Guyton, both healthy and ready to contribute. Still, concerns remain up front. LDE Sam Williams is limited by a knee injury, leaving much of the edge rush to veteran Dante Fowler and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. And with Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys must forge a new defensive identity without their superstar.

Drama: Sanders’ Emotional Return To Philly

Perhaps the most dramatic twist? Miles Sanders stepping onto the field at Lincoln Financial, this time as a Cowboy. Once celebrated in midnight green, Sanders now faces his former team in a matchup dripping with emotion. For Eagles fans, it feels like betrayal. For Sanders, it’s a chance at redemption.

Vegas still favors the Eagles by 8.5 (FOX Sports), but this leaked lineup shows Dallas is not coming quietly. Schottenheimer is betting big on a Lamb–Pickens duo, the return of Sanders, and rookies like Blue and Ezeiruaku handling the pressure of primetime.

For the Cowboys, it’s the perfect chance to announce a new era. For the Eagles, it’s a test of whether a champion can be shaken right from the opening hand. Tonight, 8:20 PM ET on NBC, the story will be written under the bright lights.