Cowboys Preseason: Loss to Seahawks pales in comparison to multiple injuries
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Seattle Seahawks 22-14 in Week 2 of the NFL preseason on Saturday night. It was a game with plenty of frustrating moments, including mistakes made by QB Will Grier, big plays allowed on defense, poor play from the backup offensive line, and special teams miscues. But when it was […]
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Seattle Seahawks 22-14 in Week 2 of the NFL preseason on Saturday night. It was a game with plenty of frustrating moments, including mistakes made by QB Will Grier, big plays allowed on defense, poor play from the backup offensive line, and special teams miscues.
But when it was all over, all of that paled in comparison to the true problem facing the Cowboys. During the game, three key players suffered significant injuries that led to them being ruled out of the game:
- LB DeMarvion Overshown, Knee (Rookie)
- TE John Stephens, Knee (Rookie)
- OT Matt Waletzko, Shoulder
While none of the above players are projected starters, Overshown and Waletzko were considered key players in terms of depth while Stephens has been one of the biggest risers in training camp and preseason.
Overshown is feared to have torn his left ACL, according to Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken. The third-round draft pick is set to undergo an MRI following a very impressive start to his NFL career that was expected to earn him a big role on special teams and on defense. Fittingly, Overshown's injury occurred in a play in which he explosively covered a lot of ground to make the tackle on the flat.
An ACL injury would be Overshown's worst fear as it would end his season before it even begins.
As for Stephens, the undrafted free agent tight end that also suffered a knee injury, he's also expected to receive an MRI to determine the severity of his injury. The former wide receiver had been so impressive in camp that some believed he could even leave Peyton Hendershot out of a roster spot come cutdown day.
If any of the above knee injuries are serious enough, both rookies could end up on season-ending Injured Reserve.
Meanwhile, the most immediate blow could be that of Matt Waletzko. He's the favorite to win the swing tackle job for the Cowboys in 2023. For an offensive line that's seeing Terence Steele return from a significant knee injury and Tyron Smith start at tackle, that seems like a more important job than usual.
The Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender entering the regular season and preseason injuries like these have to hurt. It's the reason why many coaches – including Mike McCarthy – refuse to play starters as much as possible.
Featured image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
