The Dallas Cowboys face a challenging Week 12 matchup against the Washington Commanders, with several key players impacted by injuries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the team’s injury status as of November 24, 2024:
Key Players Out:
1. Dak Prescott (QB): Placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, sidelining him until February 2024. His absence continues to test the depth at quarterback.
2. Trevon Diggs (CB): Sidelined with a groin injury, limiting the secondary’s ability to contain opposing receivers. His return is expected after the Commanders game.
3. Zack Martin (OG): An ankle injury has kept the All-Pro lineman out, weakening protection for the Cowboys’ quarterback and run game.
4. Brandin Cooks (WR): Nursing a knee injury, he is also listed as out, reducing the team’s receiving options.
5. Jake Ferguson (TE): A concussion will keep him out, impacting the Cowboys’ tight end depth and short-yardage receiving.
Questionable Players:
1. Marshawn Kneeland (DE): Limited participation in practice due to a knee injury raises concerns about his availability.
2. Tyler Smith (OL): An ankle issue makes his status uncertain. His absence could disrupt the offensive line’s cohesion.
3. Nick Vigil (LB): A foot injury has kept him out of recent practices, putting his availability in doubt.
Full Participants Returning:
Several players have returned to full participation in practice, including CeeDee Lamb (back) and Jourdan Lewis (neck), which bolsters the roster. However, the team must carefully manage their workloads to avoid aggravating their injuries.
Implications for the Team:
The Cowboys’ depth will be tested, particularly in the trenches and the secondary. Backup quarterbacks and less-experienced linemen will need to step up. Offensively, reliance on playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and the ground game will be pivotal to counterbalance the missing stars. Defensively, the absence of players like Diggs and Kneeland may create vulnerabilities against a Commanders offense eager to exploit mismatches.
The Cowboys must adapt their strategy to overcome these challenges and maintain competitiveness in the NFC East standings.
