Dallas Cowboys: A disastrous start for America’s team
It seems as if in the blink of an eye, the entire NFL shook up. The Covid-19 pandemic gave everyone a hard time, Tom Brady left the New England Patriots, and the Dallas Cowboys had the 2020 NFL season taken from them by the football gods.
Considering how traumatic last season was for us Cowboys fans, this season couldn’t get any worse, right? Well, I’m coming to you as someone that gets disappointed by two sports teams every year. Do NOT get your hopes up too high.
Dallas Cowboys: Building up to Week 1
The team had their scares already. Quarterback Dak Prescott was rehabbing his ankle very successfully. Of course, he ended up suffering an injury to his throwing shoulder, and one that generally doesn’t happen in football.
If that wasn’t enough, star wideout Amari Cooper’s surgically repaired ankle forced him to miss time in training camp. His availability for Week 1 became uncertain, marking another top offensive name on the injury list.
Star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence had his back issues come up once again. To start camp, he was listed on the PUP list, which already had numerous names.
Chauncey Golston, a 2021 third-round defensive lineman, had spent time on the PUP list. That prevented the rookie from getting snaps during training camp, and he remains “out” as of writing this.
Dallas’ second-rounder from 2019, Trysten Hill, is still rehabbing from his ACL tear in Week 5 last season. He played only 333 defensive snaps over two seasons. Last year was supposed to be a big season for the youngster, and this season is an opportunity to step up in a weak group.
To take away from the interior line more, Neville Gallimore dislocated his elbow. He is currently sitting on short-term IR and was a projected starter before being forced out. His absence opened the spot up for rookie Osa Odighizuwa.
Joining Gallimore on the list is a highly-touted prospect in cornerback Kelvin Joseph. He went down with a groin injury, resulting in his placement on the short-term IR. He missed the loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be out for a while longer.
Future Hall of Famer Zack Martin contracted Covid-19 just before the 2021 opening game. That resulted in him missing the game as well. As you can see, there are a ton of names that got injured in the lead-up to the Week 1 matchup to get you all stressed out. Still, the high-powered offense kept fans optimistic despite being heavily unfavored.