The Cowboys came into the 2022 season with concerns about thinned-out offensive line numbers. Now even those numbers are dwindling fast.
Backup guard Matt Farniok reportedly suffered a torn hamstring in Sunday’s win over Detroit and could miss “about six weeks,” according to a Michael Gehlken tweet citing sources familiar with the situation.
The injury occurred on the Cowboys’ first extra-point attempt in their 24-6 win over the Lions at AT&T Stadium. The second-year man out of Nebraska is expected to be put on injured reserve and would be eligible to return to action once he sits out at least four games.
Farniok played extensively over the Cowboys’ first three games but was in on just three snaps (one offensive, two on special teams) Sunday before the injury. He was down on the turf for a time and had to be assisted off the field by trainers, unable to put weight on his left leg. He left the locker room on crutches and had been expected to get an MRI on Monday.
In addition to being a reserve guard and backup center, the former seventh-round pick has also acted as a lead blocker out of the fullback position in certain goal-line plays.
Cowboys backup C/G Matt Farniok suffered a torn hamstring on an extra point Sunday vs. Lions, and he could miss about six weeks, two people familiar with situation said. Farniok is expected to be placed on injured reserve with opportunity to return later in season.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 24, 2022
Rookie lineman Matt Waletzko was lost for the remainder of the season after re-injuring a shoulder last week during practice. Perennial Pro Bowler Tyron Smith has yet to play this season as he deals a hamstring injury of his own.
Veteran Jason Peters was signed in early September. A tackle by trade who has transitioned to guard, he has played sparingly in just four games so far but may find himself pressed into more frequent service while Farniok heals.
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