The Dallas Cowboys (12-4) are being very precautious with a number of their players who're dealing with injuries. Making sure they are available for the playoffs. LB Leighton Vander Esch and (possibly) DT Johnathan Hankins being the most cautious.

There are areas they can't afford to lose depth, especially when it comes to stopping the run.

On the offensive side of the ball, it's the same approach they gave to WR Michaeld Gallup, and are giving to RB Tony Pollard. Who it's still undecided if he will play.

However, a position the Cowboys can't afford to take a hit is the aforementioned wide receiver position. Already down in bodies and quality depth.

However, the Cowboys latest move says otherwise. With the recent emergence of T.Y. Hilton, they are making a change. Waiving WR James Washington with one game left in the regular season.

With the emergence of newly signed WR TY Hilton, the #Cowboys are releasing WR James Washington, source said. He’s healthy and has played in two games this year for Dallas. He heads to waivers and could be claimed.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2023

Cowboys waived WR James Washington, person familiar with move said. Washington injured left foot in spring and fractured right foot in training camp. Too much missed time on offense disrupted Texas native’s tenure with his childhood-favorite team. Healthy scratch past two games.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 4, 2023

Unfortunately, it's the nature of the game. Despite Washington's many abilities, availability has been the one that hurts him most.

He missed all of training camp with a foot injury, which bled into the regular season. An early shot at the wide receiver room. Not making his debut until Week 14. Being a healthy inactive each of the last two games.

It was already a struggle to get back into form after missing four months. Washington never showed his ability to separate and was only on the field for 15 offensive snaps.

Losing time to both Noah Brown and Michael Gallup, as well as the aforementioned Hilton, who continues to come strong in the past two games.

At the moment, the Dallas Cowboys wide receivers are as follows:

• CeeDee Lamb
• T.Y. Hilton
• Michael Gallup
• Noah Brown
• KaVontae Turpin
• Jalen Tolbert

It is unclear if they will pursue any other outside help, with the possibility of OBJ still up in the air.

Assuming Washington clears waivers, he will be able to sign with any team he chooses. With it being so late in the season, having to wait until the offseason is a real possibility.

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons of USA TODAY Sports