The Dallas Cowboys kick off the 2020 season in just three days. The Los Angeles Rams are a formidable opponent, and the Cowboys will need all hands on deck to stick the Rams with a loss in their season opener.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy held a virtual press conference Thursday, and the media wasted no time asking about the health status of three Dallas starters; wide receive Amari Cooper, safety Xavier Woods, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
McCarthy noted all three starters shouldn’t have any issues with a full dose of reps on Sunday. McCarthy’s exact statement on the trio:
“I felt really good about their work yesterday. They’re scheduled to do more today [Thursday], so I think all three of those guys are on schedule to play in a full capacity this week.”
No change to the practice report. Coop & Chido still practicing, Jourdan Lewis still not. pic.twitter.com/LPzCHabRNC
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 10, 2020
Cooper had been sidelined for the majority of practices the last two week, usually found working with resistance cords off to the side. While it was Cooper’s hamstring that was causing the limited practice status, the team said they were just being preventative and Cooper playing Week 1 always seemed likely. Cooper should see plenty of snaps matched up against fellow Pro-Bowler and freshly paid cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Woods injured his groin during the Cowboys’ broadcast practice last weekend. Owner Jerry Jones said Woods will be good to go, but McCarthy wasn’t quite ready to make that distinction, until now. The Cowboys have had chances to make a splash signing or draft pick at safety, but the resilience to do so shows great confidence in Woods, who has started 33 games in his three seasons.
Awuzie began participating in individual drills a week ago, but returned to full practice Wednesday after an undisclosed leg injury held him out of multiple camp practices.
Awuzie’s status update is timely news for the Cowboys secondary that may be without Jourdan Lewis Week 1.
Lewis has not participated in practice this week and despite not landing on IR to open the season, may be a long shot to suit up. Second-round pick Trevon Diggs is expected to start opposite Anthony Brown as the teams top cornerbacks entering the Week 1 matchup with the Rams. Awuzie and free-agent Daryl Worley would be in line for snaps behind them, with Worley most likely taking slot duties as Diggs and Awuzie have practiced on the same side through camp.
The Cowboys are also going to be without right tackle La’el Collins and linebacker Sean Lee (both placed on the IR) as they travel to Los Angeles for the opening of the new SoFi Stadium.