Injury Report: Cowboys Regaining Health Heading Into Panthers Game
By Shawn S. Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys got Tony Romo back last week, but were hit with another strain of injuries as many of their defensive stars were hobbled. With their biggest game of the season coming up against the undefeated Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving, the team is healing up. There are only two players considered out this week and everyone else looks like they will be able to play. Here is a look at the Cowboys injury report for the Thanksgiving Day match-up with the Panthers.
There are still two players out of action this week, both are on defense. The first is defensive lineman Ryan Russell, who is just a reserve that will effect the depth rotation. However, the other is starting cornerback Morris Claiborne. Without Claiborne in the lineup, the Cowboys will have to decide how to defend the toughest receiver on the Panthers' team, tight end Greg Olsen. The best bet is to leave Byron Jones at safety or nickle and have him cover Olsen, but with Claiborne out, the Cowboys might have to move Jones to corner and trust Jeff Heath to cover the top receiver for the Panthers.
Both Jones and Heath are also on the injury list, both leaving last week's win over the Miami Dolphins with injuries. However, both players are practicing and should play this weekend. Also listed is strong safety Barry Church, who has missed some time but should be back to full strength this week. Two of the Cowboys top linebackers are also on the list with starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain dealing with a foot problem and reserve Kyle Wilber dealing with a toe injury. Both should play.
Tony Romo showed up on this week's injury report, and not just for his shoulder injury as he recovers from surgery. He is also listed with a back problem, but according to Jason Garrett, it is his normal back injury that has plagued him for the last few years. Dez Bryant remains listed thanks to his foot and knee problems. Brice Butler, the Cowboys fourth receiver, has been out with hamstring problems the past few weeks and should return this week as well.
A very scary moment happened at the start of the week when Darren McFadden showed up on the injury report. He is the Cowboys only quality running back left and was listed with a groin problem. McFadden has spent most of his career injured, and this did not look good. However, McFadden has practiced and looks like he will be good to go against Carolina this week.
Probable:
Dez Bryant, WR (foot/knee)
Brice Butler, WR (hamstring)
Brandon Carr, CB (shoulder)
Barry Church, SS (ankle)
Nick Hayden, DT (ankle)
Jeff Heath, SS (shoulder)
Anthony Hitchens, MLB (ankle)
Byron Jones, CB (ankle)
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE (back)
Rolando McClain, MLB (foot)
Darren McFadden, RB (groin)
Tony Romo, QB (back/shoulder)
Kyle Wilber, OLB (toe)
Out:
Morris Claiborne, CB (hamstring/ankle)
Ryan Russell, DE (abdomen)
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.