Injury Report: Cowboys Without Bryant And Rookie Gregory Against Eagles
By Shawn S. Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys entered the opening fame of the season pretty much clear of any serious injuries, outside of the players on Injured Reserve who are out for the season. However, by the time their exciting come-from-behind win over the New York Giants was over with, the team was devastated with three major injuries to starters. The three major losses for the near future included Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant, rookie defensive pass rusher Randy Gregory, and offensive guard Ronald Leary.
The biggest loss fr the Cowboys is wide receiver Dez Bryant. Next to quarterback Tony Romo, Bryant is the best player on the team and is integral to any playoff push this year. However, his injury is a broken foot, which required surgery. Estimates have him back between four to six weeks, although some think it could be closer to eight. Scarier still is Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, who compared it to the broken foot suffered by Julio Jones that took him out of the entire 2013 NFL season. Whatever the case, the Cowboys will have to get through at least six more games, or one-third of their schedule, without their biggest playmaker.
Replacing Bryant when it comes to touches should be No. 2 receiver Terrance Williams. Replacing Bryant in his spot on the field will be last year's fifth round draft pick Devin Street. However, Street will not get the attention of Bryant as Dallas will look to Williams, tight ends Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar, and slot receiver Cole Beasley much more than Street. If Street can't insert himself into plays, expect Lucky Whitehead to get some looks on offense as well. None of these players can replace Bryant's output, but Dallas just needs to win the games they should win to remain competitive in the NFC East until Bryant returns.
The loss of offensive guard Ronald Leary is a tough one as well, but this is one that has some light shining at the end of the tunnel. Leary has a groin injury and is listed as doubtful. He still wants to try to play, and for good reason. While Mackenzy Bernadeau will start if Leary is out, rookie La'el Collins said that he is ready to play and will be active this week after remaining inactive in Week 1. Collins should have been a first round draft pick if not for off-field issues that had nothing to do with him personally. Collins is a future star for the Cowboys offensive line, and that future may come quick if Leary struggles to get back on the field.
The third big loss was to defensive rookie Randy Gregory, a pass rushing specialist. He is another first round draft talent, one who slipped to the second round due to character issues. However, many considered him the best pass rusher in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Cowboys really needed him to step up and dominate early because Greg Hardy won't be back from suspension until the week after the New England Patriots game. However, Gregory sprained his ankle in the opening game and will miss four to six weeks. Dallas will likely start Jeremy Mincey and DeMarcus Lawrence on the ends until Hardy returns. After that, Gregory will have to work his way back into a spot.
Tight end James Hanna is listed as questionable, and Dallas would like to have their third tight end back after Dez Bryant's loss, but he is suffering from a knee injury. The longer he is out, the longer that Escobar has to solidify himself as the main backup to Jason Witten. Tony Romo is also on the injured list with his back, but this is just something that has happened every week since his back surgeries began years ago.
Probable:
Tony Romo, Quarterback (back)
Questionable:
James Hanna, Tight End (knee)
Doubtful:
Ronald Leary, Guard (groin)
Out:
Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver (Foot)
Randy Gregory, Defensive End (Ankle)
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.
