Brett's Cowboys Corner

As the Cowboys get ready to head to New York to take on the winless Jets, they are faced with a laundry list of injuries before the plane even takes off. Seven starters could miss the game Sunday. This could mean big problems for a Cowboys team that is trying to find themselves after a 1-2-1 start to the year.

Tyler Smith, Knee Tendinitis

It is not good seeing 4 of the 5 starters on the offensive line on the injury report. Tyler Smith the all-pro guard played the entire game against the Packers but had some testing on his knee.

They are calling it a safety precaution. But now missing two practices, we will have to wait and see tomorrows report. The plan is for Smith to play. The depth of options at offensive line are thinning out. Trevor Keegan was snagged from Philadelphia’s practice squad and could be the back up for Smith on Sunday.

Kavontae Turpin, Foot Sprain

An injury that might be a little more long term, the team will be monitoring a foot sprain for Turpin has he missed both practices. He will likely miss Sundays game. Which is a shame, since he just started to step into a role of a legitimate WR, moving away from just a ‘gadget’ guy.

The Cowboys signed Parris Campbell back to their practice squad. Most recently playing for Philadelphia in 2024, Campbell was on the training camp roster but was eventually cut. Back on the practice squad now. He could get the elevation for Sunday, he has veteran experience returning kicks, which is a duty that needs to be filled with Turpin absent.

Tyler Guyton, Concussion Protocol.

Guyton was ruled out of the game late in the 4th quarter with a concussion. He has spent this entire week in the NFL’s concussion protocol which has become more strict over the years. He will likely miss Sunday.

Giving Nate Thomas, a 7th round pick in 2024, his first career start against the Jets. Thomas replaced Guyton in overtime and has had some good reps through camp and the preseason. An earned opportunity for Thomas.

Still Out

Tyler Booker and Ceedee Lamb both suffered high ankle sprains against the New York Giants and will still be held out another week. Though both of their respective positions groups held up well against Green Bay, now going to New York there are additional injuries piling up.

Other Injuries

Malik Hooker had a non-contact injury last Sunday, it is a toe injury and he has already been ruled out for Sunday. Juanyeh Thomas has earned a shot to start at safety and was playing well when he was rotated in.

Miles Sanders is unlikely to play after being rolled up on and exiting the Green Bay game, this means the debut of 5th round rookie RB Jaydon Blue out of Texas.

Kenneth Murray is being worked back slowly, with rookie Shemar James ready to go, as he played against GB as well.

Marshawn Kneeland hurt his ankle in practice and had a limited day, but there is plenty of depth with James Houston and the new addition of Jadeveon Clowney to back him up.

Diggs and Bland are going to be full participants Sunday, Diggs is just a veteran precaution as he dealt with a knee injury earlier in the year.

How Worried Should Fans Be?

Injuries come with the game. But this is not a good outlook. A Cowboys team finding its identity, trying to hold onto to post season hope. They don’t need any reason to be banged up and give an 0-4 Jets team, a reason to win.

Final Note: The 21-day practice window for Caelen Carson and Johnathan Mingo have been opened. Both started the season on IR. This means the Cowboys will be allowed to have those two practice without roster penalty with the team. At the end of three weeks, the team will have to make a roster spot available. The team can choose to add either player to the roster at anytime to negate the full 21-day window.