Cowboys: Mike McCarthy expects team to be without key defender vs. Bills
The Dallas Cowboys are expecting to be without NT Johnathan Hankins against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. The news isn't a surprise considering Hankins suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Earlier this week, Dan Quinn even hinted at potentially elevating lineman Carl Davis or Willington […]
The Dallas Cowboys are expecting to be without NT Johnathan Hankins against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
The news isn't a surprise considering Hankins suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Earlier this week, Dan Quinn even hinted at potentially elevating lineman Carl Davis or Willington Previlon from the practice squad.
"Johnathan will be hard-pressed to go this week," the Cowboys head coach told reporters on Wednesday. "He will not work today, that's all I've got on him right now."
McCarthy's comments essentially confirm one of the two practice squad players mentioned above will be making a season debut this week. If chosen, Previlon would be making his career regular season debut.
Hankins will be missed on defense in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. While known for their Josh Allen-led passing offense, the Bills also boast the second best rushing attack in success rate and third in EPA/play, per RBSDM.
First-round rookie Mazi Smith has a huge opportunity to show what he's made of following Hankins' injury. He could very well see a significant bump in playing time with the starter out. So far, Smith has shown flashes of his potential but has struggled at times.
"Mazi keeps getting better with each and every opportunity," McCarthy added. "You can just see the confidence and the understanding."
Cowboys Injury Report vs Bills, Week 15
Malik Hooker missed practice with a shoulder injury while Rico Dowdle was limited due to an ankle.
Cowboys coach hints at potential roster moves ahead of Week 15
They could be necessary.
