Week 1 Stud Suddenly Misses Cowboys' First Practice for Saints Game
By Jovan Alford
The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their home opener on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
The Cowboys are coming off an impressive Week 1 road win over the Cleveland Browns. Dallas dominated Cleveland on both sides of the ball. Dallas’ defense intercepted Browns starting QB Deshaun Watson twice and sacked him six times.
You couldn't ask for a better start if you are Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The Cowboys’ defense will look to carry that momentum into this week’s against the Saints, but they might be missing a key member from their defensive line.
According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland wasn’t at Wednesday’s practice. ESPN’s Todd Archer adds that Kneeland wasn’t at practice due to a calf issue.
So no Marshawn Kneeland at practice today. Also, John Stephens and Jake Ferguson were missing practice today.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) September 11, 2024
Rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland is dealing with a calf issue and was not at the portion of practice open to the media. Neither was TE Jake Ferguson (knee) and he was set to work off to the side in the return-to-play group. TE John Stephens Jr. (hamstring) continued to rehab.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 11, 2024
The Cowboys hope Kneeland’s injury isn’t serious as they are already thin on the EDGE. If the rookie defensive end cannot practice over the next two days, Dallas could turn to Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat.
In the regular season opener, Kneeland had three combined tackles, two quarterback hits, and a pass deflection. He also had three quarterback pressures and played 44 defensive snaps.
As for Golston, he played 29 defensive snaps against the Browns (one combined tackle and a QB pressure) and 11 snaps on special teams. Meanwhile, Wheat only played three defensive but 25 defensive snaps in Week 1.
With kickoff still days away, the Cowboys will monitor Kneeland’s injury and weigh if it's okay to start or sit him.
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