The Dallas Cowboys are in search of a bounce-back win against the Atlanta Falcons this week, but doing so will likely be no easy task as the Cowboys’ Week 10 injury report features more players than it has in any week prior.
Two players critical to the Cowboys success, left tackle Tyron Smith and defensive end Randy Gregory have been ruled out. Though most are likely to play, a total of 13 players are listed on Dallas’ final injury report of the week, and that’s not counting kicker Greg Zuerlein, who was added to the COVID-19 list this week and will miss the game on Sunday.
Cowboys ruled out LT Tyron Smith (ankle) for Sunday vs. Falcons. Terence Steele to make his second straight start there. WR Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) and QB Will Grier (knee) are listed questionable. pic.twitter.com/VFZJXynZcm
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 12, 2021
Gregory hit short term-IR this week after straining his calf during practice, a similar injury as what Michael Gallup and Dak Prescott suffered this year. Gregory was having his long overdue breakout campaign, wreaking havoc on offenses, and this will unfortunately sideline him for a minimum of three weeks.
This will be back-to-back games Smith has missed with an ankle injury. Last week against Denver the club moved Terence Steele to left tackle, and La’el Collins regained his post at right tackle, but Steele struggled significantly on the left. Some thought the club might try to swap Steele back to the right since he has played that position well this year, but it appears the line will look the same as Week 9. Smith has yet to hit the IR, which indicates that a return from his ankle injury shouldn’t be too far away.
Receiver Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) is listed as questionable, as is quarterback Will Grier (knee).
Wide receiver Michael Gallup and defensive tackle Trysten Hill were activated from the IR and the PUP list, respectively.
Gallup will suit up for the first time since Week 1 after straining his calf, and the potential impact of his return cannot be understated.
Hill saw his 2020 season end early with a torn ACL, and he will make his 2021 debut against the Falcons. Hill could have an opportunity for immediate snaps with Brent Urban (triceps) and Neville Gallimore (elbow) both on the IR.
A number of key Cowboys were limited or out early in the week but upgraded to full participants, including Ezekiel Elliott (knee) , CeeDee Lamb (ankle), Jayron Kearse (shoulder), and they are all set to play. Amari Cooper was limited all week with a hamstring but is also expected to play.
On the Falcons side, there are five players on their final injury report.
TE Lee Smith is doubtful, along with OLB/DE Steven Means, and DL Jonathan Bullard. DB Kendall Sheffield has been ruled out, and DL John Cominsky is questionable.
Of course Atlanta is still without star receiver Calvin Ridley, who announced earlier this year he was going to take time away from the sport to focus on his mental health.
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