Cowboys Face Harsh Reality Check as Injuries Mount Ahead of Week 16
The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a tough truth: the margin for error is gone. After another frustrating home loss to a team they were expected to beat, the playoff picture is starting to fade-and fast. With just three games left in the regular season, the Cowboys aren’t just fighting for a postseason berth anymore-they're evaluating what this team really is and what it might become.
Whether or not they sneak into the playoffs, these final weeks are going to be critical for shaping the future of the roster. And as they prepare for a Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the injury report is telling a story of its own.
Reinforcements Begin to Return
There was a bit of good news out of Dallas on Wednesday. The team officially opened the 21-day practice window for three players returning from injured reserve: cornerback Josh Butler (knee), running back Phil Mafah (shoulder), and defensive end Payton Turner (ribs). All three were back on the field in a limited capacity, working their way back into football shape.
Another key name made an appearance: Trevon Diggs. The star corner, who’s been sidelined with a knee injury, was seen participating in position drills. While he’s still listed as limited, just seeing No. 7 back on the practice field is a welcome sight for a defense that’s been searching for consistency on the back end.
Injuries Still a Major Concern
But while some players are trending in the right direction, others are still on the shelf-and the list is growing.
Rookie offensive lineman Tyler Guyton continues to rehab a high-ankle sprain. He was with the recovery group on Wednesday and did not participate in team drills, earning a DNP (did not participate) designation. His absence has been felt up front, especially in pass protection, where the Cowboys have struggled to keep the pocket clean in recent weeks.
CeeDee Lamb, the engine of the Dallas offense, missed practice due to an illness. While it’s not expected to be a long-term issue, any missed time for Lamb is significant. He’s been one of the few bright spots in an offense that has lacked rhythm and explosiveness over the past few games.
Cornerback DaRon Bland also sat out Wednesday’s session with a foot injury. Bland has been a key playmaker in the secondary all season, and losing him-even for a short stretch-would be a blow to a defense that’s already had to reshuffle its lineup too often.
Fullback Hunter Luepke and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams are both in the league’s concussion protocol. Their status for Sunday remains uncertain, but with the league’s strict return-to-play guidelines, it’s possible both could be sidelined against the Chargers.
A Critical Stretch Ahead
With the postseason slipping further out of reach, the Cowboys are entering a critical evaluation phase. These next three games aren’t just about wins and losses-they’re about figuring out who’s part of the long-term plan. That includes injured players fighting to get back on the field, young guys trying to prove they belong, and veterans showing they can still lead.
The road to the playoffs is narrow, but the path forward for the franchise is even more important. And how the Cowboys handle this stretch-on the field and in the training room-could shape what comes next in Dallas.