Three members of the Cowboys’ banged-up secondary look set to make their return to the field this Sunday versus San Francisco. But another defensive back has popped up on the injury report and is a little less of a sure thing, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
Of safety Donovan Wilson and cornerbacks Anthony Brown and Trevon Diggs, all of whom have missed multiple games, McCarthy expects them to be ready to go for Week 15.
“I would put all three of them in the same category: I’m optimistic they’ll play on Sunday,” McCarthy said during his Friday press conference. “The work has been good so far, they’ve participated in the mock game that we just had. So far, everything looks good.”
Things look a little murkier, perhaps, for safety Xavier Woods. The fourth-year Louisiana Tech product was added to Thursday’s injury report with a groin issue. He was limited in that day’s practice and was seen working off to the side.
As has become the norm, McCarthy placed heavy importance on Saturday’s work session as a determining factor in whether Woods will suit up.
“I think he’ll be good to go on Sunday,” McCarthy told reporters, “but we’ll see what he gets done in practice tomorrow. Just being smart with him.”
This season has been particularly hard on the Dallas defensive backs, with a rash of injuries creating a revolving door among cornerbacks and safeties. As Rob Phillips pointed out on the team’s official website, “Through 13 games, the Cowboys’ top four corners – Chidobe Awuzie, rookie Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis – have yet to be active in the same game together.”
The yearlong secondary shuffle has necessitated the elevation of several practice squad players, too; Saivion Smith and Chris Westry suddenly found themselves on the field this past Sunday against Cincinnati.
Woods has missed just three games out of 61 thus far as a pro. But just because he’s been out there doesn’t mean he’s always been a difference-maker. In a season where many fans and analysts alike have openly criticized the effort and hustle of the Cowboys defense, Woods made himself the poster child for half-hearted play back in early October.
When asked about effort, Woods said, “The effort’s been good. On certain plays, some guys- I mean, me included- there may be a lack. But overall, the effort is there. We’re in the NFL. You don’t expect guys to [go] full speed for 70 plays; that’s not possible.”
According to Pro Football Reference, Woods was allowing the third-highest passer rating before last Sunday’s showdown with the Bengals.
Even still, Dallas would no doubt prefer to have their starter ready to go this week to complement the expected return of Wilson, Brown, and Diggs.
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