The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of baked-in advantages against the uniquely bizarre Jeff Saturday Colts this weekend, and they should be able to come away with a win, as long as the phrase “Any Given Sunday” echoes in their heads the appropriate amount.
Then again, it was only a few weeks back that the Philadelphia Eagles had to fight for their lives against Indy’s undermanned bunch, so the Cowboys should be looking to crack as few windows as possible. Unfortunately, Thursday’s injury update has brought about a new concern.
According to Mike McCarthy, both CB Trevon Diggs and WR Michael Gallup missed practice on Thursday (for the second consecutive day) with an unspecified illness. Both may be suffering from COVID, the flu, or an unidentified third option; the team has declined to elaborate.
For now, the two stars are participating virtually.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said CB Trevon Diggs and WR Michael Gallup will not practice again today because of illness. He refused to say whether it was the flu or covid. Those two are participating virtually
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) December 1, 2022
Cowboys Injury Report: Trevon Diggs, Michael Gallup battling illness before Colts game
Losing an ascendent Diggs, who’s been a much better cover corner in 2022 rather than a big-play specialist, would be troublesome, even without a true gunslinger under center. Instead, all the Cowboys have to contend with is the Ghost of Matt Ryan.
Considering how well Indy’s defense managed to lock down the Eagles a few weeks back, a weakened or absent Gallup might represent a bigger loss, even if Colts CB2 Kenny Moore is fighting an injury ahead of this clash, too.
Expect Dallas to do plenty of work on the ground behind a 1-2 punch of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, regardless of any holes in their offensive personnel.
On the flip side, it appears Anthony Barr is trending towards a full return Sunday, shaking off an ankle issue.
The likelihood Cowboys LB Anthony Barr will return Sunday vs. Colts “looks good,” coach Mike McCarthy said. Barr missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Been on a pitch count in practice, building toward Sunday.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 1, 2022
This is the second consecutive week where an illness has impacted Dallas’ preparation, but by the second half of Thanksgiving’s showcase, you never would’ve known it.
Ideally, the Cowboys can attack Indy from the opening whistle, no matter who’s battling something internally.
The likelihood Cowboys LB Anthony Barr will return Sunday vs. Colts “looks good,” coach Mike McCarthy said. Barr missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Been on a pitch count in practice, building toward Sunday.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 1, 2022