Cowboys defense faces new challenge with Gregory sidelined
The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has been hit by the injury bug at numerous different spots on the roster. DeMarcus Lawrence, Neville Gallimore, and Michael Gallup have all missed significant time. Dak Prescott missed a game. Donovan Wilson has been banged up. Tyron Smith is dealing with injuries of his own. […]
The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has been hit by the injury bug at numerous different spots on the roster.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Neville Gallimore, and Michael Gallup have all missed significant time. Dak Prescott missed a game. Donovan Wilson has been banged up. Tyron Smith is dealing with injuries of his own.
Now, it appears, that one of the most important player on the Cowboys defense will be sidelined for the immediate future: defensive end Randy Gregory.
COWBOYS TO BE WITHOUT GREGORY
Reports surfaced on Thursday morning that Gregory suffered a calf strain in practice.
Gregory has emerged as a star for Dan Quinn's defensive unit. He has finally been available at a regular rate for the Cowboys, and the defense has been better off for it. Gregory is getting after the quarterback, contributing in the run game, and living in the backfield.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones found that out first-hand. Gregory flew into the backfield and drilled the rookie quarterback, forcing a fumble and giving the ball back to the Dallas offense on an huge hit.
This is a big loss for the Cowboys defense. Already thin at the position with Lawrence still recovering from injury, Dallas can't really afford to be without Gregory. This will mean that the likes of Tarell Basham, Dorance Armstrong, and Chauncey Gholston will all have to step up.
Additionally, this could likely point to rookie phenom Micah Parsons playing more pass rusher over the next few weeks. Parsons filled in at the position earlier in the season before moving back to his linebacker duties. His ability to get after the quarterback will be needed.
Matchups against quarterbacks Matt Ryan, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr are all on the slate for the Cowboys over the next three games. Losing a talent like Randy Gregory forces everybody else to up their game in a major way.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
