Johnathan Hankins didn’t show up on the stat sheet in Sunday night’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but his early departure was definitely noticed.
The veteran defensive tackle sustained an ankle injury just a few snaps into the third quarter and was eventually carted to the locker room. He did not return to the contest. And while the team fared just fine in the decisive 33-13 victory, the 320-pounder’s prognosis quickly became a source of concern for Cowboys fans as the team looks ahead to important late-season matchups against three of the league’s top-10 rushing teams.
Reports indicate that Hankins suffered a high-ankle sprain, but it’s believed to be on the mild side. He is expected to get an MRI to further evaluate the injury.
That’s all positive news that suggests Hankins won’t miss extended time. NFL insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that the 2013 second-round draft pick “should be back for the playoffs, if not sooner.”
That would be welcome news indeed for the Dallas defense. The team faces Buffalo, Miami, and Detroit over the next 20 days; those teams currently rank eighth, first, and fourth respectively in average yards per carry. In 13 games this season- all with Hankins- the Cowboys have not allowed a 100-yard rusher; only three opposing players have topped 60 yards on the ground.
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The 31-year-old appeared to have been rolled up on from behind on a third-down run play shortly after the second-half kickoff. Rookie Mazi Smith replaced Hankins for the remainder of the game.
Hankins did return to the Cowboys sideline Sunday night under his own power and still in uniform. After the game, he was seen leaving the locker room without a crutches, a walking boot, or even a pronounced limp.
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