Cowboys: Suspense builds for key starter’s health as team enters weekend
The Dallas Cowboys have a major test this Sunday in their season opener against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This means the Cowboys' defense, the team's main strength, has its work cut out for them, and some recent injury news could make the task at hand even tougher. Safety Jayron Kearse, who is […]
The Dallas Cowboys have a major test this Sunday in their season opener against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This means the Cowboys' defense, the team's main strength, has its work cut out for them, and some recent injury news could make the task at hand even tougher.
Safety Jayron Kearse, who is coming off of an unexpected but productive 2021 campaign, is currently dealing with a neck issue that forced him to miss practice on Friday, and his status for Week 1 is questionable.
Kearse started 15 of the 16 games he played in for the Cowboys a season ago. He didn't just do well, he was excellent, and eventually got the defensive play-calling duties from Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, taking over for linebacker Micah Parsons.
The Fort Myers, Florida native made all of his 1,014 snaps count as he logged career highs in tackles (101, led the team), interceptions (2), and pass breakups (10). This was nearly the same amount of defensive snaps Kearse had for his first five seasons in the NFL combined, proving that all a player needs is the right situation to maximize what he brings to the game of football.
As a result, the Cowboys signed Kearse to a two-year deal worth $10 million in March.
The Cowboys have a solid group of safeties besides Kearse. Veterans Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson will he key roles this season, and up-and-coming studs Israel Mukuamu and Markquese Bell provide good depth. However, Kearse is the alpha male of the group, and seeing as Brady is the equivalent of a surgeon with the football, not having him would be a huge blow.
There's no indication that Kearse's neck issue will be anything long-term. However, this is something to monitor over the next few days as the Cowboys gear up for what is hopefully another playoff run.
Feature image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
