FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys’ season was to some degree defined by the offseason front-office decision for this to be a "keep our powder dry for 2025'' campaign. You know ... "Blow It Up/Remodel.''
Additionally, though, it has further been defined by injury issues. And as we approach Week 10 with the team sitting at 3-5 and third in the NFC East? Here we go again, with maybe a low point in terms of the medical concerns.
At the Wednesday workout, a full "six-pack'' of Pro Bowler were unavailable, including quarterback Dak Prescott, who is expected to be placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury that may be of the "torn-off-the-bone'' variety. (Owner Jerry Jones hinted that while Cooper Rush, with a 5-1 starting record, will likely assume the starting role, backup Trey Lance may also play a part in Prescott’s absence.)
Before we dig into the latest specifics ... Let's take a look at the rundown of the Cowboys' current injury report, reflecting the challenges Dallas faces:
Dallas Cowboys Injury List:
- Dak Prescott - QB - Hamstring (Out Week 10, likely IR, expected return Week 14)
- Chuma Edoga - OG - Toe (IR, expected return Week 10)
- DaRon Bland - CB - Foot (Questionable Week 10)
- Micah Parsons - LB - Ankle (Questionable Week 10)
- Marshawn Kneeland - DE - Knee (IR, expected return Week 11)
- Zack Martin - G - Shoulder (Questionable Week 10)
- CeeDee Lamb - WR - Shoulder (Questionable Week 10)
- Juanyeh Thomas - DB - Head (Questionable Week 10)
- Amani Oruwariye - CB - Back (IR, expected return Week 13)
- John Stephens Jr. - TE - Knee (ACL, IR)
- Brandin Cooks - WR - Knee (IR, expected return Week 10)
- DeMarcus Lawrence - DE - Foot (IR, expected return Week 10)
- Nathan Thomas - OT - Undisclosed (IR)
- Earl Bostick Jr. - OT - Leg (IR)
And then came the Wednesday workout here inside The Star, with Dak (of course) and DaRon getting DNPs along with Erik Kendricks, Zack Martin, Juanyeh Thomas and Nick Vigil, and with Diggs, Guyton, Lamb and Micah listed as "limited.''
Most any way you slice it, that's six "all-star''-level players not fully able to go.
Parsons and Lamb have vowed to stay on the field. Martin is among those who figure to fight through issues as well. But ...
As the Cowboys brace for a difficult stretch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Washington Commanders, and the New York Giants, they know they won't have Prescott and they are hoping to have help from the other five. But additionally and obviously, they must rely on depth players to step up.