Dallas Cowboys: 4 injured players from ’17 who must stay healthy

Chidobe Awuzie, CB

Games missed in 2017: 6

Chidobe had a rough start to the 2017 that caused him to miss practice, bounce between positions, and ultimately miss games. Eventually, Awuzie found a home on the outside as a cornerback and that’s where he’s been solidifying himself here in Cowboys camp.

Last season, Awuzie only allowed 7 yards per reception. That’s not only the best in the NFL last year, but the lowest the NFL has seen in years. In training camp, Awuzie has been impressive, reading plays, swatting balls and making plays. In his first preseason game he continued to show his sticky coverage ability.

If it wasn’t for his counterpart Byron Jones, Awuzie would likely be the talk of training camp. If Chidobe can stay healthy in 2018, the Dallas Cowboys may find themselves with their first dominant cornerback corps in years.

Allen Hurns, WR

Games missed in 2017: 6

For the second year in a row, Allen Hurns battled injuries. After missing 5 five games in 2016, Hurns missed six games in 2017. Big hits and ugly situations led to his health issues so I’m not going to call him “injury prone”…yet.

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But the Dallas Cowboys bet big on Hurns when they let franchise receiver, Dez Bryant, walk this offseason. With no obvious ascending talent ready to take Bryant’s place as WR1, it’ll be up to Hurns to take over the lead role.

Note: Michael Gallup may take that top spot by mid-season but the Dallas Cowboys need Hurns to be a fixure to lean on early. 

Training camp has shown us Hurns can line up nearly anywhere and be effective. But with the X spot the hardest to fill, Hurns may have to log most of his snaps there simply by default. Facing off against press coverage is no small task and even the most seasoned of veterans struggle with it.

That’s why if Hurns goes down to injury, the Cowboys may struggle to find stability.