Jerry Jones continues to place his faith in the depth of the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, even as the injury bug hits hard. Despite facing significant losses in key positions, the Cowboys managed to pull off a thrilling last-minute victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where their resilience in hostile territory was on full display.
“It shows me that our guys do step up,” Jones said after the win. “You have to have that. If you’re going to have a winning team over the course of a year with the injury attrition you can have, you got to have young players step up. That, to me, was the most important thing about the other night.”
While injuries are wreaking havoc on the Cowboys, some positive news is on the horizon. Jones confirmed that both Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland are nearing a return, although the team expects them back after their Week 7 bye. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton also has a “good chance to play” this Sunday against the Detroit Lions, according to Jones’ interview on 105.3 The Fan.
Meanwhile, rookie Marshawn Kneeland is likely heading to injured reserve after undergoing a procedure to trim a meniscus injury suffered in Sunday’s game. Kneeland’s absence adds to the already extensive list of injuries at the defensive end position, where the Cowboys have already lost Sam Williams for the season and face uncertainty with Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Even with fans calling for outside reinforcements, Jones has expressed confidence in the current depth of the roster. “I agree with being aggressive, but the guys we got out there can be aggressive,” Jones explained. “We’ve got guys on the practice squad that can step up there and make those plays in volume. Aggressive in the sense of being aggressive in letting the guys you have in this depth go play.”
Bland Eyeing a Return
Cornerback DaRon Bland, sidelined for the first five games of the season due to a stress fracture in his foot, is close to making his return. Cowboys Executive VP Stephen Jones revealed that Bland could suit up for this Sunday’s game against the Lions, albeit in a limited capacity.
“I think DaRon Bland has a real chance,” Jones said. “I don’t know if he’ll play the whole game, but I think he’s ready to start mixing it up.”
Bland, who led the NFL with nine interceptions last season, suffered his injury two weeks before the start of the season. His return would offer much-needed stability to a cornerback group that has been shuffled frequently this year. The Lions’ passing attack, led by Jared Goff and bolstered by Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, will be a significant test for Dallas’ secondary.
Depth at Wide Receiver and Defensive Line Tested
With Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, the Cowboys found a spark from wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. Tolbert’s breakout performance against the Steelers saw him catch the game-winning touchdown and tally a career-high seven catches for 87 yards. His versatility and ability to step up when needed has been a positive in a challenging season for the receiving corps.
On the defensive line, the Cowboys’ injuries continue to mount. Sunday’s game saw Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson holding down the fort as the only available defensive ends after injuries sidelined Kneeland, Parsons, and Lawrence. Despite calls for an external solution, Jones remains committed to giving their young players a chance to step up.
Could Davante Adams Be the Solution?
While Jones is confident in his current roster, there have been rumblings about a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, could provide immediate relief to an offense that has been inconsistent at times.
While there’s debate about the price tag, some believe the Cowboys should be willing to part with a third-round pick to acquire the Pro Bowler. A move like that would take pressure off CeeDee Lamb, who has been drawing heavy coverage this season, and give Prescott a second elite target.
For now, the Cowboys appear to be sticking with their current roster. But with the trade deadline approaching and pressure mounting, it remains to be seen whether Dallas will make a bold move to strengthen their championship aspirations.
Snap Count Observations: Dowdle Emerges, Tolbert Shines
The Cowboys’ running back rotation is also starting to settle, with Rico Dowdle emerging as the clear leader in the backfield. Dowdle logged 38 snaps in Sunday’s game and continues to separate himself with strong performances, including a 13-yard run that set the mark for the team’s longest of the season.
At wide receiver, Tolbert’s breakout game led the unit, playing 68 snaps, followed closely by CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys’ offense may have found a rhythm, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll build on these performances as the season progresses.
As the Cowboys prepare for a tough matchup against the Lions, they’ll be relying heavily on their depth to carry them through these injury challenges.
