This Friday, December 24, was not good news for the Cowboys. According to reports, the Cowboy team will be without two starting players for Sunday’s game against the Washington Football Team. And these casualties are for different reasons.
One of those casualties is that of Jourdan Lewis. The cornerback was included on the COVID-19 list this Friday along with rookie catcher Simi Fehoko. With them, there are already five Dallas players in the security protocol. The others are safety Malik Hooker, running back JaQuan Hardy and defensive tackle Trysten Hill. Additionally, defensive line coach Aden Durde and special teams assistant Matt Daniel are also on protocol.
The @dallascowboys placed WR Simi Fehoko and CB Jourdan Lewis on Reserve/COVID-19 on Friday.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) December 24, 2021
So far, Lewis has had a good season. In 14 games, 11 of them as a starter, he has left these records: 53 combined tackles, one tackle for loss of yards, three hits to the quarterback, 1.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumbles recovered and three interceptions. In several of these sections, it is worth noting, he has achieved the best numbers of his career.
With the loss of Jourdan Lewis, the Cowboys will not be able to count on their starting inside cornerback against Washington. This, according to some reports, could present an opportunity for rookie Kelvin Joseph. Something that the coaching staff could test this Sunday would be to place Anthony Brown at inside corner and Joseph in Brown’s place. However, what defensive coordinator Dan Quinn decides on this remains to be seen.
Cowboys rookie Kelvin Joseph has played 119 cornerback snaps so far between preseason and regular season. Two were at nickel. With nickel CB Jourdan Lewis (COVID-19) likely out Sunday, Joseph could work outside in nickel defense. Anthony Brown can slide down, fill in for Lewis.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 24, 2021
Tyron Smith, confirmed drop for Sunday
On the other hand, the injury report this Friday brought with it news that was already to be expected: the loss of offensive tackle Tyron Smith for the duel against Washington.
Let’s remember that Smith is suffering again from an ankle injury that already took him out of action for much of November. This injury was re-aggravated during the week 14 game against Washington, this after guard Connor McGovern fell on Smith’s injured ankle.
Although Tyron Smith appeared to be making progress in his recovery this week, he did not participate in any of the workouts. The Cowboys aspire to have the Pro Bowler for the final games of the regular season, or for the playoffs. Therefore, they will try to give Smith more time to recover from his injury in the best possible way.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday evening’s game vs. Washington. Rookie S Israel Mukuamu (illness) is questionable. All other players on 53-man roster, including RB Tony Pollard (ankle), carry no game-status designation.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 24, 2021
Other news in the injury report
Among other news from Friday’s injury report, safety Israel Mukuamu is listed as questionable for Sunday. The rookie did not train Thursday as a preventive measure because he was not feeling well, nor did he practice with the team on Friday. His final status would be confirmed in the hours leading up to Sunday night’s game.
Another who had signs of illness Thursday is cornerback Nahshon Wright. Like Mukuamu, the third-round rookie did not train that day as a precaution. However, Wright trained on a limited basis this Friday. And, according to the injury report, he has no designation for the game.
As expected, Tyron Smith has been ruled out for Sunday.
Cowboys also announced they’ve added Simi Fehoko & Jourdan Lewis to the reserve/COVID list. pic.twitter.com/TBcJmF1LrU
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) December 24, 2021
On the other hand, the Cowboys will be able to count on their three running backs against Washington. Tony Pollard trained fully this Friday, which is a step forward in recovering from his foot injury. Meanwhile, Corey Clement practiced for the second day in a row after being limited Wednesday with a toe injury. Besides, Ezekiel Elliott trained fully, and is expected to play despite the annoying knee that has been dragging.
Finally, Friday’s injury report indicates that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence trained on a limited basis for the third day in a row. “Tank” presents discomfort in one foot, and it is presumed that it is the same foot that was operated on at the beginning of the season. However, the defensive lineman is expected to be able to play without problems Sunday night.
For now, let’s hope the Cowboys don’t have more casualties in the hours leading up to the game against the Washington Football Team. This duel, remember, would crown Dallas as divisional champion in the East of the National Conference. So it remains to be seen if the coaching staff can make up for the casualties of Tyron Smith and Jourdan Lewis in that match.
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