Dallas Cowboys: Ailing defense to face wounded Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys forcing a fumble and turnover in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys forcing a fumble and turnover in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

TROUBLE IN THE TRENCHES

While running back losses are known, the picture gets murky along the offensive line.

Arizona has two key players in danger of missing. The most promising is at left tackle.

Starter D.J. Humphries was carted off the field in Week 1 with a knee sprain. His prognosis was 1-2 weeks recovery and he missed last Sunday’s game.

A big man returning from a sprained MCL just 15 days later sounds suspect. Even so it’s likely his performance would suffer.

The intriguing part involves his replacement, John Wetzel. Cowboys fans know the name from their 2013-15 practice squad.

Wetzel’s presence would be a huge mismatch for re-energized defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (four sacks in two games).

The other question mark is starting left guard Mike Iupati, who’s been dealing with a triceps injury since August.

He looked uncomfortable in the opener and was held out last Sunday.

Though considered day-to-day the injury must be concerning. Arizona signed veteran Alex Boone for insurance on September 5th.

Boone started 73 games from 2012-16 in San Francisco and Minnesota. Yet it speaks volumes he was released by Minnesota on September 3rd for refusing a pay cut.

Dallas’ 3-technique Maliek Collins would benefit greatly from the absence of 4-time Pro Bowler Iupati.

Boone’s mammoth size (6-8, 310) should be a detriment against a low gravity, explosive gap penetrator like Collins (6-2, 300).