The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are within reach of the NFC East title with just two games remaining as they prepare to face off in Week 16. Of the surface, that sounds like an intriguing matchup but injuries on each sideline have eroded any visions of Super Bowl celebrations dancing in the heads of the post-Christmas contestants.
With both teams looking to avoid double-digit losses with a victory, the injury front is front and center as Sunday approaches. For the Cowboys, four players have been ruled out of the contest including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch who is dealing with his second major injury of the season. RB Ezekiel Elliott, who missed his first career start due to injury last week is questionable but expected to play.
Here’s a run down of each team’s injury situation.
Dallas Cowboys
Out
- Rashard Robinson (knee) – Came up lame in second half vs Cincinnati the week prior
- LB Leighton Vander Esch (ankle) – suffered injury last week vs San Francisco when rolled over on tackle attempt
- DT Antwaun Woods (ankle) – also hurt against San Francisco
- Safety Xavier Woods (ribs) – after dealing with a groin injury in practice, ribs were hurt vs 49ers.
Questionable
- RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf)
- TE Blake Bell (illness)
Of Note
Phialdelphia Eagles
Out
- LB Duke Riley (bicep)
- TE Richard Rodgers (ankle)
- CB Kevin Seymour (knee)
- DE Josh Sweat (wrist)
Questionable
- DE Derek Barnett (calf)
- DT Fletcher Cox (neck)
- Punter Cameron Johnston (concussion)
Of Note
- WR DeSean Jackson was placed in the reactivation window from IR and may be activated to play in the game
Of course, both teams are missing numerous starters to IR, especially along the offensive line. Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Lane Johnson and Jason Peters, the flagship tackles from the recent iterations of this rivalry, are all out. Zack Martin, perhaps the game’s best offensive lineman is out as well as Eagles guard Brandon Brooks. These are just the front line guys as even more are missing from the protection unit.
The two QBs under center were backups to start the year. Andy Dalton is in for an injured Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts starts for a floundering Carson Wentz.
The injuries are lengthy, as only last week’s opponent has more man-games lost than these two teams in 2020. Still, the game has implications if Washington falls to Carolina, so the teams will be putting their best foot forward, while their fan bases are also eyeing draft position.
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