Injury Report: Cowboys Thankful For Health
Thanksgiving Day is a tradition for Dallas Cowboys fans, as the team has played on the holiday for most their existence. This year's game is bigger than ever, as the Cowboys play the Philadelphia Eagles, with the winner taking sole possession of the NFC East, at least until they meet up again two weeks from now. With that in mind, here is a look at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles injury report.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys went into the Sunday Night Football game with the New York Giants with some worries. There was only three days between that night game and the afternoon game with the Eagles. Tony Romo is the key to the Cowboys winning this season, and when he was hurt they couldn't move the ball. They wanted Romo to play against the Giants, but with only three day's rest, there were worries.
Things went well and Romo not only played in the game but he played well and remained healthy. The offensive line kept him protected and never let the Giants get a hit on him. Now, Romo comes into the game healthier and ready to prove that he is healthy enough to lead Dallas to victory on Thanksgiving Day.
Another player that returned from injury in the Giants game was linebacker Rolando McClain. With Justin Durant out for the season, McClain is the key linebacker and needs to stay healthy. He led the team in tackles against the Giants and comes into the Eagles game further recovered from his injured knee.
The only key player out for this week's game for Dallas is cornerback Tyler Patmon. He had come on as a key weapon after Dallas lost Morris Claiborne for the season. Without Patmon, who is recovering from ankle and knee injuries, Sterling Moore will play more of a role in the secondary. Also missing will be safety Jeff Heath, who underwent thumb surgery.
Philadelphia Eagles
The biggest missing weapon for the Philadelphia Eagles is starting quarterback Nick Foles, who is out with a broken collarbone. The Eagles replaced Foles with former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, who took quite a beating in his career in New York. However, he is trying to redeem himself in Philadelphia. He has completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 1,187 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions, with five fumbles. While he has three straight 300 yard games, he is still turning the ball over one too many times.
Luckily, outside of Foles, the Eagles are relatively healthy. There was a scare earlier in the week when Jordan Matthews, the breakout rookie receiver from Vanderbilt, was added to the injury report. Jordan, who has an injured knee, is listed as probable and will likely start on Thursday.
Dallas Cowboys
Probable
Josh Brent, DT (groin), Tyrone Crawford, DE (knee), Doug Free, OT (foot), Nick Hayden, DT (shoulder), Rolando McClain, LB (knee), Tony Romo, QB (back), Terrance Williams, WR (finger)
Doubtful
- Jeff Heath, S (thumb)
Out
Tyler Patmon, CB (knee, ankle), Dekoda Watson, LB (hamstring)
Philadelphia Eagles
Probable
Nate Allen, S (ankle), Brandon Blair, DE (elbow), Zach Ertz, TE (oblique), Jordan Matthews, WR (knee), Cody Parkey, K (groin), Jason Peters, OT (quadriceps)
Questionable
- Emmanuel Acho, LB (groin)
Out
- Nick Foles, QB (collarbone)
For more Cowboys news and updates, visit Cowboys Central.
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.
