​The 2026 Cowboys defense will take the field with a heavily-overhauled roster of players and an all-new coaching staff, running a brand-new scheme with nearly 50% new personnel in an attempt at a massive turnaround from a dismal 2025 campaign.Tuesday they learned they’ll also be doing it short-handed at a key position to start the season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDefensive end Charles Snowden, who is listed as an outside linebacker in the Cowboys’ new 3-4 alignment, has been suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Snowden, who was signed by Dallas in June after two years with the Raiders and one prior to that with the Bears, will be required to miss the Cowboys’ first three games of the regular season.Per a statement from the league, Snowden “is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games; his suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players.”The punishment stems from an incident that occurred over a year and a half ago.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSnowden, a 28-year-old undrafted free agent out of Virginia, was arrested and charged with DUI back in late 2024 while in Las Vegas. Police alleged he was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a running car that had nearly rolled off a four-foot retaining wall. Snowden reportedly was unable to stay awake during his arrest and showed blood alcohol levels more than twice the state’s legal limit.Snowden pled no contest to the DUI in January. The charges were reduced to reckless driving.The Cowboys’ revamped OLB group includes Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Sam Williams, and rookie Malachi Lawrence, as well as Marist Liufau, James Houston, Tyrus Wheat, and Isaiah Land. They’ll have to pick up the slack during Snowden’s absence for the Cowboys’ Week 1 trip to play the Giants, Week 2’s home opener versus the Commanders, and a Week 3 date with the Ravens in Rio de Janeiro.Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys to start season short-handed at OLB; newcomer suspended 3 games by commissioner