Chicago just handed our Seattle Seahawks a brutal 34-17 loss right here at Lumen Field, a gut punch that stings bad. But while we are all still fuming from that beatdown, you will not believe the injury nightmare unfolding with another top NFC contender: the Dallas Cowboys. Their latest injury report lists an astounding 16 names, with five key players completely sitting out Wednesday’s practice due to various ailments. This level of attrition is a serious wake-up call for the entire NFC.
The Dallas Fallout Is Brutal, Especially for a Rookie Star
The Cowboys are limping hard, and it shows. Five players were total no-shows at Wednesday’s practice, a staggering number for any team this deep into the season. The biggest concern has to be first-round rookie defensive back Caleb Downs, who did not practice due to both a concussion and an ankle injury. Downs left Sunday’s game with a head injury, and the fact he is still dealing with it is rough. This kid has been a absolute monster, playing 509 defensive snaps,that is a massive 92 percent of their total,plus another 45 on special teams. He has already racked up 52 tackles, a sack, a pass defensed, and two forced fumbles. Losing a talent like that, even for one game, is a huge hit.
He is not alone on the sideline either. Tight end Jake Ferguson is out with an ankle issue, and outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence is also battling an ankle injury. Safety P.J. Locke is dealing with a concussion, mirroring Downs’ head injury. And just to round out the absences, offensive tackle Broderick Jones missed practice for personal reasons, while veteran outside linebacker Von Miller got a rest day. That is five players not practicing, and four of them are battling significant injuries. Yikes.
Limited Movement, But Key Players Pushing Through
It does not get much better when you look at the players who were limited in practice. Wide receiver George Pickens is nursing a hamstring injury, which is never good for a speedster. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is dealing with a groin issue, and left guard Tyler Smith has an ankle problem. Even linebacker Dee Winters was limited with a calf strain. These are all critical players who are not 100 percent, meaning their contributions could be hampered or they are one wrong step away from being out entirely.
There is some good news, though, with five players listed as full participants: defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (calf), defensive tackle Kenny Clark (back), outside linebacker Marist Liufau (forearm), cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (ankle), and offensive tackle Drew Shelton (hamstring). While it is great they are back, the sheer volume of injured players still highlights a massive challenge for Dallas. Our Hawks just took a 34-17 L to Chicago at Lumen Field, but seeing other NFC teams facing such heavy injury tolls just emphasizes how tough this league is and how every team is fighting for every inch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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