The Dallas Cowboys defeated a division rival on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, disposing of the New York Giants 27-20 in a game that wasn't all that competitive.
While CeeDee Lamb struggled with drops, Rico Dowdle turned in a career day and DeMarvion Overshown, whose pick-six might go down as the play of the season in the NFL, and Micah Parsons spearheaded a sparkling performance by the defense.
Unfortunately, the win was weighed down by more injuries.
Lamb didn't play a chunk of the fourth quarter after seemingly aggravating his AC joint injury. Tyler Guyton revealed he suffered a high-ankle sprain so he likely faces a spell on the sidelines.
However, the big news of the game were the gut-wrenching injuries to ascending defensive backs Juanyeh Thomas and Josh Butler. While Thomas avoided a worse-case scenario, Butler suffered a torn ACL and is done for the year.
Cowboys cornerback Josh Butler out for season with torn ACL
A silver lining is needed and that is Thomas is dealing with a meniscus and could return within 2-3 weeks, Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan.
Josh Butler is done for the season with an ACL injury (torn) that will require surgery to repair, per SJ to 105.3 The Fan.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) November 29, 2024
Juanyeh Thomas has a meniscus issue but dodged the worst-case scenario — his prognosis at "2-3 weeks".
CeeDee Lamb is expected to be a go for #Cowboys vs.…
Butler went down with a non-contact injury while defending a deep ball up the sideline. He went to make a play on the ball, but his knee gave out as he planted to change direction. Replay of the injury showed Butler's knee buckle and the CB let out a blood-curdling scream.
Butler was feeling on top of the world coming off a career game against the Commanders in his second career start. He led the defense with nine tackles and three passes defended. The NFL can be so cruel.
The 28-year-old was putting together another nice game vs. the Giants. He allowed one catch for three yards on three targets, equating to a 42.4 passer rating when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. His coverage grade took a dive thanks to a penalty, but he earned a 73.4 run-defense grade.
Butler was seemingly on a path toward earning a roster spot in 2025. He had filled in admirably for the injured Trevon Diggs and quickly proved to be more reliable than rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson.
The Texas native's emergence was unexpected if only because he didn't play professional football for five years after going undrafted in 2018 out of Michigan State. His backstory and journey to the NFL are awe-inspiring.
It makes Butler's injury all the more heartbreaking, but he has personified resilience for most of his adult life. Just as he posted on social media in the aftermath, he's going to come back stronger in 2025.