Tag: Cowboys injury report

Eagles’ Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson questionable for matchup vs. Cowboys

#Eagles’ Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson are both listed as questionable for matchup vs. #Cowboys

The Eagles released their final injury report of the 2021 regular season, and two players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s season finale.

There’s been some question regarding whether head coach Nick Sirianni will play most of his starters with the matchup against Dallas having no meaning from a seeding or division standpoint.

Cowboys News: Dez Bryant reunion nears, draft talk abounds

The latest news ahead of the Cowboys-Ravens game, injury reports and matchup previews, and more.

Just when it began to feel like the Dallas Cowboys had a chance to emerge from the NFC East and make the playoffs, that door was likely slammed shut with the Thanksgiving loss to the Washington Football Team. The loss potentially helped Dallas secure a top pick in next year’s draft, but who should the Cowboys target? Our own K.D. Drummond and CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker examine the top prospects who fit with Dallas, the Cowboys’ needs, and more in the latest edition of the Catch This Fade Podcast.

The Cowboys are set to take on the Ravens on Tuesday, after a string of COVID cases pushed the Baltimore game back in back-to-back weeks. Get the latest updates for both teams, an offensive and defensive preview of the Ravens. Plus, which players should Dallas re-sign in the offseason, and how can they improve the defense?

Saturday’s ‘Thursday’ Injury Report: Cowboys rule out Zack Martin, Ravens on mend

The latest injury updates for the Cowboys and Ravens ahead of their game this Tuesday.

No team has dealt with more complications from COVID-19 this season than the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys were originally scheduled to face the Ravens on Thursday Night Football, but the game was pushed back to Tuesday, allowing Baltimore to return a number of key contributors, including Lamar Jackson who is expected to suit up.

Saturday, DE Aldon Smith returned to practice and CB Anthony Brown was able to get in another practice. Offensive linemen Zack Martin and Cam Erving, S Steven Parker were non-participants, and S Donovan Wilson worked with athletic trainers off to the side at practice.

Smith (illness) had missed practices earlier in the week but was back in the action this weekend, and is game status is not in jeopardy.

Brown (ribs) missed Dallas’ Thanksgiving game against Washington, but the added rest has helped his recovery and he is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup.

The Dallas offensive line has struggled to continuity, and that trend will continue this week. Martin and Erving were the Cowboys starting tackles against Washington, but both were injured in the first quarter. Martin (calf) and Erving (knee) didn’t practice this week, and they are officially out

Wilson (groin) missed practice Friday, but worked on the side with trainers Saturday; his status is still in question for Tuesday Wilson had emerged as a bright spot in the Cowboys safety room over the last few weeks.

One of Wilson’s potential replacements, Parker (ankle), was absent from practice Saturday, leaving Dallas incredibly thin at the safety position if Parker can’t play. Both Wilson and Parker are listed as questionable, and Darian Thompson would be the likely beneficiary should Dallas be without Wilson or Parker.

Dallas’ upcoming opponent, Baltimore was hit with a whirlwind of COVID cases and injuries over the last two weeks, but a handful of the Ravens’ best players are set to return from the reserve list and face the Cowboys Tuesday.

On Friday and Saturday Baltimore activated a total of seven players from the COVID/Reserve list, including DT Calais Campbell, RB Mark Ingram, RB J.K. Dobbins, OLB Pernell McPhee, OL Matt Skura, OL Patrick Mekari, DE Jihad Ward.

Reigning MVP, QB Lamar Jackson, is eligible to be activated from the list on Sunday, and while Baltimore won’t confirm that as their plan, it is expected.

Despite te positive activations from the COVID list, Baltimore still has nine players with a questionable tag, and two listed as doubtful as we get closer to Tuesday.

The most notable questionable tags include Campbell, who was mentioned above, CB Jimmy Smith, DT Brandon Williams, and S Chuck Clark.

It will be important to monitor the Baltimore health situation before the Tuesday night showdown, especially at quarterback.

Thursday injury report: Martin, Elliott practice in full, Lawrence joins Gregory as DNP

The latest injury report ahead of the Cowboys and Vikings matchup in Minnesota on Sunday.

Entering Week 11, the Dallas Cowboys are somehow still very much alive in the laughing stock division of the NFL, the NFC East. This week, the Cowboys travel to Minnesota to take on the surging Vikings, in a matchup that could either propel the Cowboys closer to the front of the division, or perhaps help seal Dallas’ fate towards the top of the draft boards in April.

The Cowboys injury report was a mixed bag on Thursday, with a mixture of positive and worrisome news.

Zack Martin (calf), Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring), Andy Dalton (Concussion), and Joe Thomas (wrist) were full participants in practice. Meanwhile, Randy Gregory (illness) , Tyler Biadasz (hamstring), and DeMarcus Lawrence (illness) were all absent.

Much of these practice status’ were expected, except for Lawrence who’s first appearance on this week’s injury reports was Thursday.

Dalton is set to reclaim his spot as the team’s starting quarterback after being cleared from the concussion he suffered in Week 8 against the Washington Football Team and overcoming a bout of COVID-19.

The news of full availability was as expected for the All-Pro Martin, who was limited Wednesday for what head coach Mike McCarthy called precautionary reasons.

Biadasz started Week 5 through Week 8 for the Cowboys, and from all accounts he held his own quite well, despite his inexperience. The club could certainly use the former Badger’s presence as another quality player and depth piece on the depleted offensive line.

Elliott admitted earlier in the week that his hamstring was still “a little stiff” but noted that he would work through in it practice. Elliott’s “full” designation on Thursday answers any potential questions regarding his ability to play Sunday, and the Cowboys will once again try to feature a heavy dose of their workhorse back.

Thomas’ return may be just be depth defensively, as he’s now behind Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, and Sean Lee for playing time, but Thomas is a capable backup if needed and should return to his duty on special teams.

Gregory missed his second straight day of practice with an illness, but McCarthy mentioned that he doesn’t believe that the illness is related to Covid-19. Gregory played over 50% of defensive snaps for the Cowboys in their valiant effort against Pittsburgh, and his return has been a much needed spark of athleticism off the edge.

Lawrence’s addition to the injury report with an illness is the most troubling, as he was presumably fine earlier in the week. Lawrence has elevated his game in recent weeks and is playing like the All-Pro edge defender that Dallas paid up for.

The availability of two of Dallas’ best pass rushers will be crucial to monitor as Sunday quickly approaches.

On the other side of the field is Minnesota, who has a handful of injury questions as well.

Minnesota fullback C.J. Ham was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week. While most teams rarely use a fullback, if they even roster one, Ham is a key cog in the Vikings offense that so heavily relies on creating lanes for Dalvin Cook.

Starting offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland did not participate Thursday with an ankle issue.

CB Cameron Dantzler, TE Irv Smith Jr. and DE Hercules Mata’afa all play meaningful snaps for Minnesota and were limited on Thursday.

The Vikings should have the services of starting Center Garrett Bradbury who practiced in full, as well as DE Ifeadi Odenigbo.

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Week 8 Final injury report: Dalton out for Cowboys; Looney, Lee back but no Awuzie

The latest injury report and IR returns for both the Cowboys and the Eagles.

Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles have battled through numerous injuries to key players so far this season, so it’s only fitting the latest health updates are set to lay a big factor in Sunday night’s showdown in Philadelphia.

As expected, the Cowboys ruled quarterback Andy Dalton out for Sunday’s game, meaning rookie Ben DiNucci will get his first start. Dallas also activated linebacker Sean Lee and offensive lineman Joe Looney from the injured reserve to the active roster, meaning Lee is set to make his season debut Sunday in Philadelphia.

Lee (sports hernia) returns to a linebacker group that has disappointed in 2020. Leighton Vander Esch just recently returned to the roster after missing most of the season so far with a broken collarbone, and Jaylon Smith, despite his high tackle numbers, hasn’t played up to his potential either. Lee’s best days are well behind him, but the savvy veteran should be a an important depth piece as he is still one of the most intelligent and studious players in the whole league.

Looney played both center and guard for Dallas before a knee injury landed him on the short-term IR. The Cowboys offensive line has struggled to find any continuity, and has shuffled numerous times out of necessity. Like Lee, Looney isn’t necessarily a game changer these days, but his experience, both in the NFL and in the Dallas system, should allow him to be a steady and versatile piece on an otherwise unproven offensive line (besides Zack Martin, of course).

Reports were that cornerback Chidobe Awuzie could be ready to travel to Philly, but it looks like the fourth year corner needs just a little more time to heal from his hamstring injury. DB Savion Smith was promoted from the practice squad to the game day roster.

While Dallas still has a number of contributors on the IR, almost all of the active roster was able to practice in full this week.

Quarterback Andy Dalton did not participate in a single pracrice, or clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, and he is out for Sunday’s game. In his place, seventh-round rookie QB Ben DiNucci is set to make his first career start, and there is some reason to be intrigued by DiNucci as a Cowboy fan.

Zack Martin missed late week’s loss to Washington with a concussion, but the perennial All-Pro guard was able to practice in full multiple times this week, and is good to go for the big divisional matchup.

Safety Xavier Woods missed Wednesday’s practice for non-injury related reasons, but was another full participant at practice the following days, and his status is not in question.

Punter Chris Jones was a late addition to the injury report, as an abdomen issue limited him in Friday’s practice. The Cowboys didn’t list Jones with a questionable or game-time decision label, meaning he too should play barring any surprises.

Eagles fans will be thrilled to learn who they have returning from the IR just in time to face the Cowboys.

Three crucial components of the Philadelphia offense, tackle Jason Peters, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, and tight end Dallas Goedert are all set to return to the active roster this week. The team noted that linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Rudy Ford are being activated from the IR as well.

Linebacker Nathan Gerry and defensive lineman Genard Avery were both moved onto the Philadelphia injured reserve.

As far as the rest of the Eagles squad, there are a handful of impactful injury designations.

T Jack Driscoll, CB Craig James, WR Alshon Jeffrey, CB Cre’von Leblanc, and RB Miles Sanders are all officially out for Week 8.

T Lane Johnson, DE Vinny Curry, DT Malik Jackson, and S K’von Wallace were all listed on the injury report, but all were able to practice in full, and should be suiting up on Sunday.

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Final Injury Report: Cowboys’ Vander Esch ‘on track’, Sweezy out, Humphries maybe for Cards

The latest injury reports ahead of Monday’s game between Dallas and Arizona, including the status of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch

The Dallas Cowboys 2020 season has been scarred by injuries, and it culminated in Week 5 when franchise quarterback Dak Prescott was lost for the season. While a number of other key contributors have been placed on the injured reserve for the remainder of the year, Dallas current active roster is as healthy as it can be entering Monday’s showdown with the Arizona Cardinals.

All Cowboys were able to practice in full on Saturday, including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who is still technically on the short-term IR but is slated to return in time for Monday night. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are experiencing their own OL issues.

Vander Esch had missed the previous four weeks after suffering a broken collarbone in Dallas’ Week 1 loss to the Rams, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had some promising things to say about the third-year linebacker, according ESPN’s Todd Archer.

“I’m definitely encouraged.” the McCarthy said, regarding Vander Esch’s progress towards being able to play. McCarthy would go on to add, “Everything points forward… All the arrows are pointing up.”

Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported Vander Esch is expected to be “eased back into action,” and will likely see more snaps in passing situations than base personnel.

Vander Esch is arguably Dallas’ best defender, and his ability to remain on the field will be imperative if the Cowboys league-worst defense has any hopes of turning things around this season.

A handful of other important Dallas defenders were full participants in practice, including DeMarcus Lawrence (knee), Trevon Diggs (knee), Tyrone Crawford (ankle), Dorance Armstrong (knee), and Everson Griffen, who missed Wednesday’s practice for something non-injury related.

Tight end Blake Bell (knee) was the lone offensive player listed on the Cowboys’ injury report, but he was a full practice participant as well.

The Cowboys opponents, the Cardinals, are set to be without a few key players.

Starting guard J.R. Sweezy has been ruled out, along with DL Rashard Lawrence and LB Kylie Fitts. Devon Kennard, one of Arizona’s top pass-rushers, is a game time decision but head coach Kliff Kingsbury is hopeful Kennard can suit up. Safety Jalen Thompson is currently on the IR but is another game time decision.

Cardinals’ starting left tackle D.J. Humphries was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday with a back injury, and he is considered questionable for Monday.

For more discussion on Vander Esch’s importance to the Dallas defense, a Cardinals preview, and everything else Cowboys, check out the latest mini- edition of the Catch This Fade podcast with our own K.D. Drummond and CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker.

Catch This Fade S5E13: Vander Esch central to 2020 salvation, Prescott’s mental roadmap

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Thursday Injury Report: Cowboys’ Smith progressing, Browns’ Beckham limited

An injury update for the Cowboys and Browns, including the status of Tyron Smith, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs.

The Dallas Cowboys have been tormented by injuries through the first three games of the 2020 season. Fortunately two crucial, injured linemen in  Tyron Smith and DeMarcus Lawrence are progressing this week.

Lawrence didn’t practice for the second straight day as he has dealing with a knee injury that he suffered in the Week 2 win against Atlanta, but the team is expecting the defensive end will be suiting up for Sunday’s matchup with the Browns. Meanwhile Smith was upgraded from a DNP to Limited in Thursday’s work. Meanwhile, Cleveland is nursing a pretty extensive injury report for the day and that includes wideout Odell Beckhman, Jr. being limited with a back injury.

Head coach Mike McCarthy had this to say about Lawrence’s availability during a virtual press conference on Thursday: “He’ll take very little (reps) if any today. But I don’t think he’s in jeopardy. I anticipate him to kind of go through the week like he did last week. So we’ll see what today brings.”

Lawrence has played just 39 percent of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps since the season opener, way down from the roughly 65 percent of defensive snaps that he played in 2018 and 2019.

Despite not missing a game this season, the injury has clearly impacted the former Pro-Bowler’s abilities to stay, and produce, on the field. Lawrence’s one quarterback pressure through three weeks pale in comparison to the seven that the end accumulated through the same timespan just a season ago.

The Dallas defense doesn’t just need Lawrence to play, they need him to return to his dominant form that he’s played at in the past, if they want to have any chance of consistently slowing down the better offenses in the league.

On the other side of the trenches, Smith seems in line to line up for the first time since Week 1.

Smith was able to participate in individual drills during Wednesday’s practice, the most he had down in a Cowboys uniform since September 17 and seemed to duplicate the effort on Thursday.

It remains to be seen if Smith can give it a go this upcoming Sunday, but there is more optimism surrounding the topic than in the two previous weeks.

Smith’s return would be monumental for a Cowboys offensive line that has been unstable, to say the least. Fellow star tackle, La’el Collins, is yet to play this season and his return date, if there is a return, is yet to be determined. 

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have already used a staggering five different offensive line combinations, none of which have played up the standard of Dallas O-Lines of recent history.

If Smith is active Sunday, the Cowboys will decide between Brandon Knight and Terrence Steele for the right tackle spot. Based on their performances in each players short career it seems likely that Knight would get the nod over Steele. However, if Smith needs more time before he can play, Knight would once again man the left side, while Steele would slot back into the right tackle role.

Guard Zack Martin spent some second half of Dallas Week 3 loss to Seattle at right tackle, after Steele exited with an illness, and Martin did  extremely well, as expected. Martin made it clear that he’s back to playing guard, but the future Hall of Famer is ready for anything necessary.

Rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs popped up on the injury report as well, but it feels similar to last week, when the Cowboys took it easy on Diggs during the week and he played a full workload of snaps on Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with their fair share of important ailments ahead of their trip to Dallas this weekend.

Beckham Jr appeared on his first injury report of the week with a back injury. Assuming he is able to play, he star wideout is set to match up with the Cowboys for the first time since leaving the Giants in 2018.

One of the better guards in the league, Joel Bitonio, was limited for the Browns on Thursday (back) but was an upgrade from his DNP on Wednesday.

Similarly to Bitonio, cornerback Denzel Ward (groin) was limited Thursday following a no show in practice the day before.

Running back Kareem Hunt (groin), safety Ronnie Harrison (illness), defensive end Adrian Clayborn (hip) were among the notable absences from Thursday’s practice in Cleveland.

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Cowboys’ Smith misses practice with neck injury, Cooper limited ahead of Falcons

The Dallas Cowboys Thursday injury report has two huge names, Amari Cooper and Tyron Smith, to monitor as the Falcons game gets closer.

The Dallas Cowboys injuries are quickly starting to pile up and if fans are experiencing post-traumatic stress issues based on the last time Dak Prescott played the Atlanta Falcons without his left tackle, no one would blame them.

The team released their official injury report for Thursday practice, and there were a few important names to monitor as the Cowboys home opener against the Falcons draws near. Tyron Smith missed practice with a neck injury and Amari Cooper was limited with a foot injury.

The left tackle appeared on his first injury report of the season. The veteran was held out of action Thursday, and Smith has battled neck and back injuries for the majority of the recent seasons.

Players with Smith’s tenure are often given Thursdays off as rest days, but it is still discouraging to see Smith’s neck bothering him so early into the new season.

Smith missed the game against the Falcons in 2017, which turned into the infamous Chaz Green debacle. Green, Smith’s replacement at left tackle, turned in a dreadful performance allowing a Falcons-record six sacks to Adrian Clayborn.

It goes without saying that Smith’s absence would be potentially game changing, and his health will be monitored closely.

Joining Smith on the report is fellow Cowboy All-Pro Cooper.

Cooper manged to get in a limited practice on Thursday with a foot injury. Cooper dealt with both foot and knee issues a year ago, and his production has takena dip when he’s played through injuries in the past in Dallas.

The Cowboys will need their most dynamic wide receiver as they attempt to keep pace with the Falcons high-flying offense.

Fortunately, hopefully, NFL Network’s Jane Slater says neither is currently in danger of outright missing the contest.

Defensive end and new star Aldon Smith was another notable absence from practice, but his is excused as it was a trip to the dentist that held Smith out Thursday, and he should be back with the team on Friday.

There was a bit of positive news, as Jourdan Lewis was a full participant Thursday. The slot cornerback missed the season opener in Los Angeles with an ankle injury, but it appears he’s a go for Week 2.

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The Cowboys lost starting tight-end Blake Jarwin for the season with a torn ACL last Sunday. Leightom Vander Esch fractured his clavicle, requiring surgery. Vander Esch is due back in 6-8 weeks, landing him on the IR with La’el Collins and Sean Lee.

Jane Slater, Cowboys reporter for NFL Network, noted that the team isn’t concerned with the health of Tyron Smith and Amari Cooper, and that both are on pace to be available for Sunday.

Even if Cooper and Smith’s absence from a full practice was just preventive or rest, the Cowboys can’t be pleased with number of high-level contributors already set to miss time this season.

Final Injury Report: Prescott to play, Cowboys’ Smith, Jones in question

The QB on one side is out, the other is hobbled. Check out the final injury report and game statuses for the final game of the year.

The Dallas Cowboys take on the Washington Redskins for the final game of the 2019 regular season.  For the first time all season, the club doesn’t control their own destiny after falling behind the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16.  The Cowboys now need to not only defeat the Redskins but also need for the New York Giants to knock off Philadelphia for the Cowboys to repeat as NFC East Champions.

The outcome of the Eagles-Giants contest is moot if the Cowboys don’t win on Sunday, and it looks as if they could be short-handed as they release what is possibly their longest injury report of the season.

Quarterback Dak Prescott will play Sunday after virtually not practicing all week for the second consecutive game.  It remains to be seen how the shoulder injury Prescott has been dealing with affects his throwing mechanics.  Prescott missed a few crucial throws last week against the Eagles however, he did not attribute those to his injury.

More concerning for the Cowboys is whether or not Tyron Smith or Byron Jones will play as both are listed as questionable.  Smith has been dealing with back issues and Jones was seen walking in a protective boot Friday.

The only other player listed as questionable for the Cowboys is defensive tackle, Antwaun Woods.  Woods has been dealing with hip/ankle issues although he did play last week.

The Redskins will be without three starters Sunday as safety Landon Collins, quarterback Dwayne Haskins, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin have all been ruled out.

Case Keenum, returning to the starting role, played fairly well in Week 2, completing 70% of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-21 Cowboys’ victory.  McLaurin leads all rookie receivers with 58 catches and is tied for second in touchdowns with seven.

Lee’s potential absence from Cowboys-Rams undercuts return for 2 others

Tony Pollard, Jeff Heath returns to practice while Sean Lee misses practice for the second consecutive day.

The Dallas Cowboys have just three games remaining in their 2019 campaign, and with a chance to make the playoffs contingent on winning the NFC East, all hands must be on deck if they are able.

The outcome of Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Rams affects their playoff changes by about 20 percent, per ESPN FPI.   There is no time to wait, yet Dallas is looking like their linebackers corps may be even more depleted than first thought.

Sean Lee who is filling in for injured starter Leighton Vander Esch still has not participated in practice this week as he deals with a pectoral issue, so it remains to be seen if he will play against the Rams.   Vander Esch is definitely out for this game, and it’s a question whether he suits up again this season.

If Lee is unable to suit up, rookie linebacker Luke Gifford will be called into major action for the first time this season as the third in the rotation behind Jaylon Smith and Joe Thomas.

The Cowboys had six other players who were limited participants on Thursday:

  • DL Michael Bennett (foot)
  • RG La’el Collins (knee)
  • CB Byron Jones (hip)
  • P Chris Jones (adbomen)
  • DT Antwaun Woods (knee)

There were however two welcome changes to the injury front as safety Jeff Heath and backup running back Tony Pollard were upgraded to full participants in Thursday’s practice.

Heath has been dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered against the Patriots back in Week 12 and Pollard suffered an ankle injury and did not play against the Bears.

The Rams are relatively healthy compared to the Cowboys, with only starting tight end Gerald Everett not participating as he deals with a knee issue. Relatively is the key word, as the offensive line has dealt with a major reshuffling this season already.

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