Injury Report: Cowboys Head Into Giants Game Relatively Healthy
By Shawn S. Lealos
Outside of players placed on the Injured Reserve in the preseason and players facing suspensions, the Dallas Cowboys head into the opening of the 2015 NFL season with their active roster in full health. Before the season started, cornerback Orlando Scandrick was placed on the Injured Reserve due to a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. This was a huge blow for the Cowboys, as Scandrick was not only their best cornerback, but was also the Cowboys co-defensive player of the year from 2014. Because Scandrick is on the Injured Reserve, he won't appear on any injury report, but his replacements will be closely scrutinized.
Brandon Carr remains the starter on the other side of the field, while the official 2015 starting depth chart sees Morris Claiborne inked in as the starting right cornerback in place of Scandrick. If Claiborne falters again, expect Tyler Patmon and rookie Byron Jones to get the chance to prove whether or not they belong in the starting lineup.
Another player not listed on the injury report who won't play this week is rookie offensive tackle Chaz Green. Unlike Scandrick, Green is on the PUP list, meaning that he will miss the first six games of the season before he can return. Green is expected to back up Doug Free on the offensive line when he makes his return. Also out due to suspensions are defensive end Greg Hardy and middle linebacker Rolando McClain. Both are starters, and rookie Randy Gregory will get a chance to start while Hardy is suspended and Anthony Hitchens will move into McClain's spot.
The other players actually listed on the injury report are all healthy, but with just minor injuries. Wide receiver Dez Bryant has a hamstring injury listed but he practiced in full this week and will start against the Giants. Tight end James Hanna has a knee injury, but he also practiced in full and is a go for the week. Hanna's situation is different, as he is a backup to Jason Witten and if he is banged up, Gavin Escobar will get the most snaps at the reserve position over Hanna. Backup wide receiver Devin Street is listed with an ankle injury. He caught a total of two passes in his rookie season, and his ability to stay healthy will hamper getting on the field this season.
The offensive line saw three players make it to the Pro Bowl last season, and two of those three players were hurt at points in the preseason. The last man to return was guard Zack Martin, but he came back to practice last week and is good to go after suffering from neck problems. Another offensive lineman, Jordan Mills, was signed to cover the loss of Chaz Green, but he is listed under the mysterious "coach's decision" on the injury report. The final member of the offense on the report is backup quarterback Brandon Weeden. He went through the concussion protocol and returned to practice. He won't see the field unless Tony Romo gets hurt.
On the defensive side of the ball, Rolando McClain's replacement, Anthony Hitchens, is listed as probable with a foot injury, but he practiced in full this week. If he has to miss time, the Cowboys will either go with two linebacker sets or possibly move Sean Lee over to the middle linebacker spot if needed. Starting free safety J.J. Wilcox is on the report with a neck injury, but he also practiced in full this week. If he misses time, Jeff Heath is there to take his spot. Finally, safety Danny McCray is listed with a neck injury. McCray practiced in full—his role on the Cowboys team is not on defense, but as the special teams gunner. Dallas brought him in to help offset the loss of Dwayne Harris and need him on special teams, but have to watch out for hard hits to his neck.
Probable:
Dez Bryant, WR (hamstring)
James Hanna, TE (knee)
Devin Street, WR (ankle)
Zack Martin, G (neck)
Jordan Mills, T (coach's decision)
Brandon Weeden, QB (Concussion)
Anthony Hitchens, LB (foot)
Danny McCray, S (neck)
J.J. Wilcox, S (neck)
Questionable:
NONE
Doubtful:
NONE
Out:
NONE
Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He writes for a variety of national publications and has over 15 years of sports journalism experience. Follow Shawn on Twitter @sslealos. Examiner.com.