Cowboys: The Eagles' injury news that could change Week 9
Leading up to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles game, a lot has been made about the knee injury to quarterback Jalen Hurts. After all, his not being at 100% could seriously hinder Philly's run game in Week 9. But ultimately, it's hard to believe Jalen won't be his usual self on Sunday. Sports Injury […]
Leading up to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles game, a lot has been made about the knee injury to quarterback Jalen Hurts. After all, his not being at 100% could seriously hinder Philly's run game in Week 9.
But ultimately, it's hard to believe Jalen won't be his usual self on Sunday. Sports Injury Central's analysis claims Hurts' knee injury is "not a concern," which aligns pretty well with what we've seen recently. The knee thing has been a conversation since Week 7 and Hurts has had strong performances despite it. Perhaps that's why a fed-up Hurts left mid-press conference earlier in the week.
Taking that into consideration, I believe Cowboys fans might be focusing on the wrong Eagles player when checking on this week's injury report. The name fans really need to be watching is right guard Cam Jurgens.
Jurgens was recently activated for practice and is now eligible to come off of Injured Reserve. He has been a limited participant in practice and appears to have a shot at playing on Sunday. Since this is his first week back in practice from an IR stint, that might be considered a long shot, however.
If the talented second-year lineman can't go, it'll likely be another game for backup guard Sua Opeta. He is somebody the Cowboys can zero in on to get to Jalen Hurts. Opeta is the only member of the Eagles to allow two sacks. He's also responsible for 17 pressures per PFF third most on the team, despite having only 205 pass-blocking snaps (compared to 336 from Jason Kelce, who hasn't missed time).
Unless Jurgen returns, it will either be Opeta or rookie Tyler Steen, who filled in for Opeta after he went down injured against the Washington Commanders in Week 8 (he practiced fully on Thursday). Either way, the Cowboys should have a significant advantage if they're able to isolate Micah Parsons on him, something Dan Quinn is usually able to do very effectively.
They say your offensive line is only as good as your worst lineman. If Opeta (or even the inexperienced Steen) lines up at guard, the Cowboys have the path to take down the Eagles' mighty offensive line.
If Jurgens plays, that's different. Although he won't be the top strength of that unit, he'll likely look great between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. It would be tough to consider that a weakness in their unit. UPDATE: Jurgens was ruled out o Friday's injury report.
Now granted, for the Cowboys' pass rush to play a role in this game, it'll be the defense's job to stop the run first. Otherwise, expect a heavy dose of physical, downhill running from Philly to force Dallas into a grinding showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cowboys vs Eagles Final Injury Report (Friday)
Tyron Smith was a limited participant in Friday's practice, but head coach Mike McCarthy indicated they'll decide on whether or not he'll play after Saturday's practice. He and Chuma Edoga are questionable on the injury report.
Michael Gallup and Jayron Kearse carry no game designation.
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