Dallas Cowboys injuries mounting and solutions emerging

The Dallas Cowboys suffered another huge loss this past game with Terence Steele going down. That is yet another high-snap player to go down and has caused the Cowboys’ depth chart to be tested.

What was already a thin offense line will have to forge ahead as they figure out who plays where before the playoffs get here. Until Tyron Smith returns it looks like Tyler Smith, Connor McGovern, Tyler Biadasz (who did get rolled up on during the game but was able to keep playing), Zack Martin, and now a platoon of Jason Peters and Josh Ball at right tackle will be the five playing significant minutes.

However, the offensive line is not the only position being tested. At corner, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis are both out, which means more time for Daron Bland and Kelvin Joseph at corner.

At safety, there was a scare with Jayron Kearse prior to the game with a knee issue, but he was able to play. Other injuries have hit linebacker, wide receiver, and defensive line. The signing of T.Y. Hilton might help the wide receiver depth, but the rest of the position groups have to step up and figure it out.

The Dallas Cowboys have been hit hard with injuries over the past few weeks, with only a few games before the playoffs, they have to figure it out quickly.

Every team gets injuries, some more than others, but rarely do we see multiple players in more than one position group go down for such extended periods. Luckily, the Cowboys have had a fairly easy schedule and they have played teams that have found ways to lose games. However, the test against Philadelphia will be a litmus test to where this team actually is.

The Cowboys can’t afford more injuries along the offensive line and should another player go down, it could spell doom for the playoffs. For now, the line is run-blocking well and the defense is playing well enough to keep the team in games.

The questions will come when they face stiffer competition. Fortunately, many of the teams the Cowboys could face early in the playoffs have been hit at positions like quarterback and running back, which could help them push through the injury issues a little easier.

The front office believes their depth can and will overcome any issues, but the reality is, they are depth and not starters for a reason. They will have to scheme better to hide the issues and that is on both Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn to figure out.

Some of the players could be back for the playoffs which will help and with a little luck, the Cowboys could still make a strong push. For now, wrap everyone in bubble wrap, finish the season without further injury and get into the playoffs.