The Dallas Cowboys can still make the playoffs. However, they would need to win out and for the Philadelphia Eagles to lose their final three games. While possible, the chances of both of those happening seem quite slim.
That's why there's no point in putting the best players in harm's way. At least, those who aren't at full strength. With that in mind, the Cowboys should have an easy decision to make about star DT Quinnen Williams.
The Cowboys Need to Shut Down Quinnen Williams
The former New York Jets star had been dealing with a minor shoulder injury. Then, he took two big hits to the head in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Per head coach Brian Schottenheimer, he'll start the week in the concussion protocol:
"Yep, he'll be in the protocol," Schottenheimer told the media after the game, via DallasCowboys.com. He later added that Williams "came back fine from the first one, and then it sounds like he got a knee to the head or something. Physical game."
The Cowboys will close out the season with games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants. While Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal are a solid one-two punch on the ground, the Cowboys should be able to shut down the Commanders' and Giants' unimpressive running games, even without Williams.
Then again, it's also worth noting that this team struggled mightily against the run before acquiring Williams. His Pro Football Focus grade of 85.1 ranks third in the league among all defensive linemen, all while also logging 45 pressures, the 7th most among tackles.
Of course, with no margin for error, not having their best defensive player on the gridiron might sound counterproductive. Then again, this team doesn't control its own destiny anymore, and head injuries are no joke. They need to think about the big picture and Williams' long-term outlook with the organization, so there's no need to rush him back out there.
The former first-round pick signed a four-year contract extension in 2023 worth $96 million. The Cowboys will give him $24 million a year, while that sounds reasonable for a player of his caliber, their complicated salary cap situation makes taking good care of him even more important.
Things would've probably been different if Williams had been on the team since the start of the season. However, now that this team has shown its potential with an improved defense, it should be planning for next season.