Police in a Dallas suburb say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing the scene of an accident on foot.

Frisco police said Thursday they are investigating the possible suicide. They said Kneeland didn’t stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over a traffic violation in a chase that was joined by Frisco police on Wednesday night.

Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later. During the search after Kneeland fled the crash site on foot, officers said they received word that Kneeland might be suicidal. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, about three hours after the crash, police said without specifying where Kneeland’s body was found.

Kneeland’s death came just days after he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that asked for privacy. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.” Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.

Kneeland’s rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.

Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this year against Philadelphia. He played in seven games this season, missing two with an ankle injury.

Kneeland’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was preparing for the draft. He had his mother’s ashes in a necklace he wore after joining the Cowboys, according to The Dallas Morning News.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”

PLAN FOR PENNING

Now that Trevor Penning has joined the Chargers after Tuesday’s deadline day trade from the New Orleans Saints, now that he’s been assigned a locker inside the team’s training facility, now that he’s been given uniform No. 64, there are questions to be answered before he makes his debut.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said he was unsure whether Penning would play in the Chargers’ Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium. Harbaugh also said Penning would likely play at one of the tackle positions, but he didn’t say which one.

Penning, a first-round draft pick (19th overall) by the Saints from Northern Iowa in 2022, who began his career with the Saints at left tackle during an injury-filled 2022 season. He then flipped to right tackle for 2024, and then was shifted to left guard this season.

“That’s what the week of practice will be for,” Harbaugh said, “to figure out exactly where Trevor fits in best.”

The Chargers expecially need help at left tackle with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt both out for the season.

— Elliott Teaford

RAMS ADDRESS ISSUES

Special teams breakdowns have continued to haunt the Rams, even as a three-game winning streak has solidified their status as Super Bowl contenders.

The Rams (6-2) have finally made moves to address their most glaring weakness, signing two players to the practice squad. They added kicker Harrison Mevis and long snapper Jake McQuaide.

Second-year kicker Joshua Karty has missed five field goals and three extra points this season. Whiffing on one of each in a 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday finally compelled coach Sean McVay to bring in alternate options for two parts of the struggling operation.

“It’s all geared towards trying to be able to just get some solutions and some kick consistency, really, with our field goal operation,” McVay said. “Think it’s important to be able to have good competition at some spots that we feel like we can have improved play to be able to evaluate all 11.”

SHAHEED IN SEATTLE

Rashid Shaheed could very well be a half-season rental for the Seattle Seahawks as they go for the team’s first playoff appearance since 2022.

Shaheed was acquired in a trade with New Orleans on Tuesday for two draft picks. The fourth-year receiver is well on his way to a career year in the final season of his contract.

The 27-year-old Shaheed, who prepped at San Diego’s Mt. Carmel High, would like for his success to lead to a new deal with the Seahawks at the end of this year.

“I’m here to stay,” Shaheed said. “So, I’m excited to see if we can figure something out after the season ends. But, yeah, I’m excited.”