The Dallas Cowboys have been hit by injury after injury this year, as whichever entity that possesses the team voodoo doll seems to be minimizing the inequity of them having the quarterback advantage in each game so far by nearly causing them to start a whole second unit on the offensive line, amongst other ailments.
With that in mind, the aforementioned being seems to be satisfied to an extent, as evidenced by this update from ESPN’s Todd Archer.
We’ll take this point by point. First, the brothers Tyler seem to be on the upswing. After not practicing at all and therefore not playing last week against the New York Jets, both Guyton and Smith returning to the practice field is a massive step.
Typically, players in the concussion protocol either are, or are not allowed to practice, with no in between. Guyton being on the field seems to indicate that he’s likely to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Knee injuries are of course less black and white. But being on the field at all is an encouraging sign for Smith’s chances after not practicing at all last week.
Booker, the last of the Tylers, along with Lamb, are nursing high ankle sprains suffered in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. Neither player was placed on IR, indicating the team expected them to miss less than three games.
This week would be the third game so, while they remain unlikely to go against the Panthers, them being on the field is a good sign for their chances of potentially playing in Week 7.
KaVontae Turpin not practicing is somewhat surprising. While he didn’t play against the Jets, his injury was considered minor. If he can’t go, Ryan Flournoy will reprise the role he starred in during Week 5.
Donovan Wilson left the game against New York late with an undisclosed injury. That injury currently remains more of a mystery than whether or not Jerry Jones was actually flipping off Jets fans. If he can’t go, Alijah Clark or Markquese Bell would likely get the start.
Finally, Sanders leaving early is an ominous development after he, like Turpin, sat out Week 5. Also like Turpin, the injury was expected to only sideline him for a week.
The Cowboys were likely to try and get Jaydon Blue more involved as is. Doing so will become much easier if Sanders can’t go while potentially creating the window to phase Sanders out completely if Blue takes advantage of the opportunity.
In summation, an overall net positive update from Cowboys practice. And if we’ve learned anything so far this season, no matter who can or cannot go on Sunday, Dallas’ next man up mentality typically allows them to at least be competitive against any opponent.