Like they have all season, the Dallas Cowboys are navigating a variety of injuries heading into Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. With multiple players on the cusp of returning from injured reserve, the Cowboys did some significant roster shuffling.
That included placing safety Markquese Bell on injured reserve. Bell is out for the season with a dislocated shoulder suffered in Monday's loss to the Texans. They also waived defensive end K.J. Henry in order to activate DE Marshawn Kneeland and swing tackle Chuma Edoga from injured reserve.
CeeDee Lamb has been cleared to play after he didn't practice on Thursday with back and foot injuries. Jourdan Lewis is back after a one-week absence and DaRon Bland will make his long-awaited season debut after a lengthy recovery following surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foo
That, unfortunately is the extent of the good news. Both Trevon Diggs and Zack Martin were downgraded to OUT and did not travel with the team. Additionally, standout left guard Tyler Smith will also be inactive, ESPN's Todd Archer reported on Sunday.
Cowboys Week 12 inactives
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Jake Ferguson | TE | Concussion |
Trevon Diggs | CB | Knee/Groin |
Zack Martin | RG | Ankle/Shoulder |
Tyler Smith | LG | Ankle |
Caelen Carson | CB | Healthy scratch |
Tyus Wheat | DE | Healthy scratch |
Deuce Vaughn | RB | Healthy scratch |
It's no surprise that Ferguson is inactive. He was quickly ruled out Monday night after entering concussion protocol. Given the quick turnaround next week - the Cowboys play Thursday on Thanksgiving - it wouldn't be a surprise if Ferguson missed two games.
The big takeaway on that list, though, is Zack Martin. The All-Pro guard gutted through three injuries last week, including injuries to both of his ankles. There was a heartbreaking moment in the fourth quarter when Martin got down on a knee and said he couldn't go.
It seems that Father Time has finally caught up with Martin. These could his final season in the NFL. If that is the case, let's hope he can get healthy and play the remaining six games.
Regarding Diggs, it seems the Cowboys can never get Diggs, Bland and Lewis on the field at the same time.
Commanders Week 12 inactives
Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
Marshon Lattimore | CB | Hamstring |
Emmanuel Forbes | CB | Healthy scratch |
Jeff Driskel | QB | Emergency QB |
Chris Paul | OG | Healthy scratch |
Domonique Hampton | LB | Healthy scratch |
Lattimore still hasn't made his Washington debut after he was acquired from the Saints before the trade deadline. A four-time Pro Bowler, Lattimore is among the best man corners in the game. His absence means Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Mike Sainristil will be tasked with containing CeeDee Lamb.
The Cowboys are down three All-Pros in Martin, Smith and Diggs. That doesn't even include Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks. Meanwhile, the Commanders are as healthy as a team can be this late in the season.
It could be another long game for Dallas.