Cowboys Camp Update: Tyrone Crawford injured but crisis is averted
By Reid Hanson
What first appeared to be a season-ending injury for the Cowboys’ most accomplished linemen, is now a only a preseason-ending injury. Crisis averted.
Cowboys Camp appeared to suffer their first season-ending injury of the preseason yesterday when Tyrone Crawford went down, but reports say he’ll be back. Note: the team will still need more tests and have yet to officially state his status. That news should be coming later today.
The Cowboys know they’ve been fortunate this preseason on the injury front. At a time of the year when significant injuries hit nearly every team, Dallas has only seen minor injuries. Until Tuesday.
Late in practice, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to lose their most accomplished linemen when defensive end Tyrone Crawford dropped to the ground in pain. In what was a non-tackling drill, Crawford was pursuing Ezekiel Elliott when Zeke cut and stepped on Crawford’s right foot, bending his ankle to a gnarly 90-degree angle.
Everyone feared the worst. Tyrone Crawford, no stranger to season-ending injuries, looked devastated, as did teammates. But Tyrone Crawford and the Dallas Cowboys caught a break, so to speak, when they learned the injury is a lateral right ankle sprain, and not an actual break as first feared.
Confirming earlier reports, early diagnosis of Tyrone Crawford's injury is a lateral right ankle sprain; no fracture.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) August 9, 2017
The Dallas Cowboys seemingly dodged a bullet with this injury. Losing him for the remainder of the preseason is likely but exponentially better than losing him for the real season.
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Tyrone Crawford isn’t a superstar by any means. In fact, he’s potentially playing his last season in a Cowboys uniform. But despite being drastically overpaid, Crawford is respected player in the NFL and has the ability to lead the team in sacks this season.
Getting back for week one against the New York Giants is of utmost importance. The Cowboys will be short while three defensive ends serve suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Already out is Damontre Moore (two games), David Irving (four games) and Randy “are we still talking about him” Gregory (season). Being so thin already, Dallas could hardly afford to lose anyone in their expected rotation, especially a starter like Tyrone Crawford.
In the Meantime
Who picks up the slack in Crawford’s absence will be interesting to watch. Taco Charlton, the Cowboys’ top draft pick this season, figures to get the most serious look. While touted as a potential RDE, Taco fits the part of the LDE much better.
Behind Taco aren’t many viable options: Damontre Moore, Charles Tapper, and Benson Mayowa all project as RDEs. And the Cowboys seem committed to giving DeMarcus Lawrence a full look on the right side as well, this being his contract year.
Next: Why Tyrone Crawford is playing for his job in 2017
Cowboys Nation can breathe a sigh of relief today as they learn the injury news regarding Tyrone Crawford is good – relatively speaking of course.