Dallas Cowboys Week 12 Injury Report: Defensive Starters Still Out Of Action
By Shawn Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys take the best record in the NFL (9-1) into Thanksgiving Day to battle their long-time rivals, the Washington Redskins. While the Cowboys got quarterback Tony Romo back in uniform last week, he is now the backup and seems satisfied with that role for now. However, the Cowboys are still missing two of their starting defensive backs, and that might hurt when facing the strong Washington Redskins' passing game. Here is a look at the Dallas Cowboys injury report for their Thanksgiving Day game.
Defensive Backfield Still Hurting
Cornerback Morris Claiborne and safety Barry Church remain out of action with their injuries. Claiborne has a groin injury and Church recently had surgery on his forearm. Both players should be back in December and the Cowboys record has them in the position to hold off on their return until they are ready.
Second-year star Byron Jones continues to play well, with eight tackles last week against the Ravens, and rookie cornerback Anthony Brown finished the game with five tackles and a pass defensed. They should continue to log a lot of playing time and continue to play well against the Redskins passing attack this week.
Darren McFadden Ready To Return
Darren McFadden was supposed to start the season as the Dallas Cowboys starting running back with Ezekiel Elliott working his way in. Instead, McFadden started the season on the injured list and Elliott is now the NFL’s No. 1 rusher. McFadden is finally recovered from his surgery, but with Elliott playing so well, the Cowboys have no need for him right now.
McFadden returned to the practice field this week and Dallas has three weeks to decide to add him to the active roster or end his season early. McFadden said he wants to return and help the team win, but there might not be a place for him anymore. There is still a chance that the Cowboys could trade McFadden, but they may also want to hold onto him in case a late season injury takes out Elliott or Morris.
Washington Redskins Injuries
The Washington Redskins are playing as well as anyone in the NFC right now, but they head into their battle with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day with four starters banged up. Defensive end Chris Baker has a hamstring injury, wide receiver DeSean Jackson has a shoulder injury, left tackle Ty Nsekhe has an ankle injury, and linebacker Preston Smith has a back injury. According to head coach Jay Gruden, all four should play this week’s game.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report
Questionable:
- (WR) Dez Bryant (Calf) — Full Participation in Practice
- (OT) Chaz Green (Foot/Back) — Did Not Participate In Practice
- (DE) Demarcus Lawrence (Back) — Limited Participation in Practice
- (DT) Terrell McClain (Thigh) — Limited Participation in Practice
- (T) Tyron Smith (Back/Hip) — Limited Participation in Practice
Out:
- (SS) Barry Church (Forearm) — Did Not Participate In Practice
- (CB) Morris Claiborne (Groin) — Did Not Participate In Practice