Key Cowboy Expected to Play Thursday Despite Surprise Practice Absence

After losing back-to-back games at home to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, the Dallas Cowboys will go on the road to play the New York Giants on Thursday night. It’s a pivotal game for Dallas as four of their next five games will be on the road.

For the Cowboys to walk away with a win on Thursday, they’ll need their defense to play better, which has struggled to stop the run. 

On the injury front, Dallas enters the primetime contest with almost a fully healthy team. Head coach Mike McCarthy will wait to see how defensive backs Marquese Bell and Caelen Carson look in pregame as they are both listed as doubtful.

However, the Cowboys won’t have to worry about special teams ace C.J. Goodwin. According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Goodwin missed Wednesday’s walkthrough for personal reasons but should be good to go against the Giants.

Goodwin has appeared in the Cowboys’ first three games, playing 84% of special teams snaps. The 34-year-old defensive back has yet to record a tackle this season, but he’s been Dallas’ best special teams player over the last few seasons.

Last season, Goodwin only played in five games after suffering a season-ending torn pectoral against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys missed Goodwin’s presence on the field and were happy to see him re-sign with the club this offseason.

With how things are going for Dallas to start the season, Dallas hopes the veteran defender can make a couple of plays against the Giants.

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