Dallas Cowboys to be without three defensive starters versus Eagles
As if the injury bug has not been bad enough to the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, more injury news was released on Wednesday afternoon. ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, defensive back Xavier Woods, and defensive lineman Antwaun Woods when Dallas takes on the Philadelphia Eagles […]
As if the injury bug has not been bad enough to the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, more injury news was released on Wednesday afternoon.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, defensive back Xavier Woods, and defensive lineman Antwaun Woods when Dallas takes on the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that has NFC East title implications.
That means that the Dallas Cowboys — a team that has already has its problems on the defensive side of the football this season — will be down three important starters on Sunday afternoon. Obviously, that is not the best news for a team that is still playing for a playoff spot.
Vander Esch left Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers with an apparent ankle sprain, which will prevent him from suiting up in week 16. LVE has battled injuries throughout his career, and this is the latest roadblock that the 2018 first-round draft pick will have to overcome.
Safety Xavier Woods and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods were also banged up in the victory against the 'Niners. Woods will miss the contest against the Eagles with a rib injury, while Woods is also dealing with an ankle sprain that will keep him out for at least the upcoming week.
The Dallas Cowboys were already going to have their hands full with the way that Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts has been playing since taking over the starting role, so being without three starters will certainly make things that much more difficult.
Ezekiel Elliott is limited in practice, but he could play on Sunday.
Elsewhere, running back Ezekiel Elliott was inactive for the Dallas Cowboys' win over the 49ers due to a calf injury. Second-year back Tony Pollard took full advantage of the opportunity that he was given, but there is a chance that Zeke will be back in action in the crucial matchup with the Eagles.
Additionally, Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup suffered a hip strain against San Francisco and will be limited in practice this week according to head coach Mike McCarthy. Gallup grabbed three catches for 26 yards and a score last week.
The Cowboys have been forced to overcome a handful of injuries already this season, so this is nothing new for the coaching staff or the players in the locker room. Still, that does not make things any easier for Dallas.
Sunday's matchup is set for 3:25 central time on FOX. Both the Cowboys and the Eagles still have an outside shot of winning the NFC East and reaching the playoffs; therefore, it should be an entertaining and competitive game in AT&T Stadium.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
