Dallas Cowboys injuries could leave several key players sidelined against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Dallas has been bitten by the injury bug just like every other team in the NFL. The Cowboys are missing essentially their entire defensive line with Demarcus Lawrence, Neville Gallimore, and Randy Gregory on the injured reserve list. The Cowboys are also missing other key players like Tyron Smith.
Dallas Cowboys Injuries Continue to Leave Them Short-Handed
Projected Return for Demarcus Lawrence
Lawrence was injured in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lawrence suffered a foot fracture requiring surgical fixation in the NFL’s opener and was initially projected to miss six to eight weeks for his recovery. The star pass rusher is slated to miss a few more weeks before he can begin practicing again. With this vague timeline, Lawrence could potentially be back in Week 13 or Week 14, optimistically.
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory (calf) and DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) working on the resistance cords today pic.twitter.com/Dwcz0tQs58
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 18, 2021
Randy Gregory’s IR Stint
Gregory suffered a calf injury and missed last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. The IR placement requires Gregory to miss at least three weeks. Gregory has been great in the absence of Lawrence with five sacks, two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits. Gregory has been great filling in for Lawrence and Dallas will miss his interior presence until Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints.
Neville Gallimore Isn’t “Going to Practice Any Time Soon.”
Gallimore suffered a dislocated elbow in mid-August before the start of the season. The former Oklahoma Sooner has yet to make his 2021 debut. He presents a potential for athleticism at the defensive line the other players don’t offer. While the fill-ins have done a great job, the Cowboys are better with Gallimore alongside Gregory and Lawrence. Dallas gets much more athletic and much deeper on the defensive line when all three can return.
Tyron Smith Close to Returning
Smith has been limited in practice, indicating he might be able to return this week in Kansas City. He missed the last two games against the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs found a rhythm creating pressure on Derek Carr in a route of the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend. If the Cowboys hope to protect Dak Prescott, Smith will play a key role on the offensive line. Smith also helps to anchor the run blocking scheme for Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Cowboys are a much better team offensively with Smith in the game. His return is exciting for the Cowboys and fans alike.
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Michael Gallup’s Return
Michael Gallup was able to return against the Atlanta Falcons last weekend. The offense stalled against the Broncos the week before, but then explode for 43 points against Atlanta. Gallup was quiet in his return but brings much-needed depth to the wide receiver position. Gallup is as good as they come when speaking of a third wide receiver. Many teams would be lucky to have Gallup as a wide receiver two or even a wide receiver one. Dallas boasts probably the best wide receiver trio the in NFL with Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and now returning Gallup. The speedy Gallup makes it much more difficult for teams to double team Cooper or Lamb. Gallup also helps to keep the box light for Elliott as teams have to respect him as a deep threat.
CeeDee Lamb on getting Michael Gallup back: “Very excited. A lot of people know what MG can do, and if you don’t, you’ll find out real soon. The guy is a playmaker, phenomenal teammate. Can’t wait for him to touch the endzone a couple times here soon.”
(📷: @dallasnews) pic.twitter.com/QDJbcgnCL2
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 10, 2021
Dallas Playing Well Despite Being Short-Handed
Dallas is a legitimate Super Bowl contender without these players currently. The Cowboys are 6-2 with some great wins against NFC East rivals and the New England Patriots. When healthy, Dallas could be the best team in the NFL. Dan Quinn and Mike McCarthy have Dallas playing better than expected on both sides of the ball and both units only look to become healthier as the season continues.
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