The Dallas Cowboys are going to have to try and build as big of a lead as possible in Week 18 and then get key players out of harm’s way. The Cowboys have something to play for; they are still able to win the NFC East if they get some longshot help. Thanks to this possibility, there’s no way they can rest their starters and not go all out to secure a victory. But the circumstances of their injury issues along the offensive line means they are rolling the dice when it comes to protecting QB Dak Prescott.
The club lost center Tyler Biadasz in Week 17’s win over Tennessee. Fortunately, it looks like he’ll be able to play in the wild-card round despite a high-ankle sprain. But the domino effect on the offensive line became treacherous with the news that Connor McGovern missed Saturday’s practice with an illness. If he’s unable to go on Sunday against the Commanders, Dakoda Shepley and his eight snaps in five years (all in Week 11) is the only other player with center experience.
Shepley was added to the 53-man roster Saturday, along with additional practice squad elevation Alex Taylor to help the depth at offensive tackle. McGovern moving to center slides either Tyler Smith or Jason Peters over to guard, and left Josh Ball as the only backup tackle. Safety Tyler Coyle was also added.
Shepley took the roster spot of WR James Washington, who was released earlier in the week. Here’s a look at the full roster ahead of matchup in Washington.