Jayron Kearse one of several Cowboys players with new jersey number (2024)

FRISCO — Last offseason, Jayron Kearse briefly believed he successfully changed his jersey number from 27 to zero. He completed steps necessary to pounce on a new NFL rule that allowed zero to be worn for the first time.

There was just one final approval needed.

He didn’t get it.

“Originally, I changed,” Kearse said. “I changed to zero. Everything was set to be zero, but then I had a talk with Jerry.”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed, Kearse said, that he doesn’t want anyone wearing zero during the 2022 or 2023 seasons. This week, Kearse happily pivoted to No. 1. The versatile safety is one of several Cowboys players with a new number following Tuesday’s reduction from a 90- to 53-man roster.

Cornerback Kelvin Joseph occupied No. 1 until his Tuesday trade to the Miami Dolphins. Rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey wore it, too, during training camp and the preseason, but he claimed No. 17.

“It’s not just a number,” said Kearse, who wore 1 in college at Clemson. “It’s a number I did a lot of good things in, so I’m excited to be back in it. ...Somebody will wear (zero) next year. Hopefully they’ll give it to Overshown.”

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown donned zero at Texas. The rookie third-round pick is currently No. 35 in Dallas.

Overshown and rookie tight end John Stephens both suffered left ACL tears Aug. 19 against the Seattle Seahawks. Stephens has switched from 49 to 81 while on injured reserve. Wide receiver Simi Fehoko last wore 81; he was cut Tuesday.

The Cowboys switched Markquese Bell from safety to linebacker after Overshown’s injury. He now switches from 41 to 14, the latter of which linebacker Jabril Cox had before being waived. Rookie running back Hunter Luepke can draw Mike Alstott comparisons; he moved from No. 43 to 40.

Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, acquired in the Joseph trade, is No. 19.

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