Could Andy Dalton, Chidobe Awuzie Return for the Cowboys in Week 11?
Chidobe Awuzie and Andy Dalton are both on track to play this weekend for the Dallas Cowboys. These two are the biggest reinforcements on their way for Dallas when they visit the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. The Cowboys expect starting Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to see his first action since Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. […]
Chidobe Awuzie and Andy Dalton are both on track to play this weekend for the Dallas Cowboys. These two are the biggest reinforcements on their way for Dallas when they visit the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.
The Cowboys expect starting Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to see his first action since Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. In a struggling secondary, this is certainly good news for Dallas, especially after they lost rookie CB Trevon Diggs to a foot injury in their last game. Diggs has arguably been Dallas' best defensive back for much of the year while Awuzie was sidelined before getting injured himself.
This is also important playing time for Awuzie. Chidobe is a free agent after this year, and some would say he has not quite lived up to his 2nd round selection billing. Some of that is certainly due to injuries as well. He’ll be looking to prove himself worthy of an extension or make himself some money through free agency in this second half of the season by playing well. Look for him to join Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis as the starting Cornerbacks on Sunday.
Quarterback Andy Dalton is also expected to be active against the Vikings this weekend. On 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jerry Jones said he believes Dalton will be ready to go after being on concussion protocol and on the COVID-19 reserve list for some time in the last couple of weeks. On Monday, Dalton was cleared from the concussion protocol and was a full participant in practice. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has not formally announced a starter, but it seems that if Dalton is healthy enough to go, he’ll be the guy.
This is coming off a surprisingly solid outing from Garrett Gilbert in Week 9 against Pittsburgh. Some fans are clamoring for Gilbert to remain the starter, but they brought Dalton in to be Dak Prescott’s backup. That being said, the Cowboys will most likely give him the reins for now at least. Whoever gets the nod at QB for Dallas on Sunday, they will have a favorable matchup. The Vikings enter Week 11 with the 27th-best passing defense based on yards per game.
Tyrone Crawford remains on the COVID-19 list as of Tuesday evening. His availability for Sunday’s game remains up in the air. The Cowboys will most likely find out if he can go later in the week.
The division race is somehow still not over for Dallas, even while they have the 4th overall selection currently in the 2021 NFL Draft. For reference, the Washington Football Team holds the 3rd pick while the New York Giants hold the 8th overall pick.
Dalton and Awuzie will look to help the Cowboys secure a win on Sunday against a Vikings team coming off of three straight wins.
