Cowboys receive even more bad news on Monday
Monday's news cycle for the Dallas Cowboys has been dominated by Dak Prescott's thumb injury and rightfully so. But Dan Quinn's defense also received a major blow on gameday when safety Jayron Kearse had to exit the game. Kearse, who was seen leaving the locker room on crutches last night, is expected to miss multiple […]
Monday's news cycle for the Dallas Cowboys has been dominated by Dak Prescott's thumb injury and rightfully so. But Dan Quinn's defense also received a major blow on gameday when safety Jayron Kearse had to exit the game.
Kearse, who was seen leaving the locker room on crutches last night, is expected to miss multiple weeks with an MCL sprain. According to Todd Archer from ESPN, that could mean 2-4 weeks off the field.
Losing Kearse is a major blow to the Cowboys' defense given Dan Quinn has put a lot of weight on the team's Big Nickel unit. The personnel grouping features three safeties and it's built around Kearse's versatile role.
As a hybrid between linebacker and safety, the Cowboys defender is a matchup weapon on defense. He can play near the line of scrimmage, matching up against tight end and slot receivers. Thanks to his size and strength, he's able to provide top-tier run support.
The Cowboys now will turn to one of their backups at safety. Both Israel Mukuamu – who played more of a free safety kind of role – or undrafted rookie Markquese Bell are the "next men up." Don't be surprised if Donovan Wilson (already starting on a different role) takes over Kearse's role temporarily in an effort to get the best three safeties on the field.
Losing Kearse feels like an even bigger blow considering how much the Cowboys will need from their defense after Dak Prescott's injury.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
