The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a gritty win over the Kansas City Chiefs - the kind of game that tests a team’s mettle and could be a turning point in a season. Now, they’ve got another big challenge ahead: a road trip to Detroit to face a Lions team that’s one game ahead of them in the standings.
With the NFC playoff race tightening, this week’s matchup carries real weight. A win in Detroit wouldn’t just be another notch in the win column - it could help Dallas close in on that seventh and final Wild Card spot.
But as both teams prepare for what could be a pivotal Thursday night clash, injuries are starting to shape the narrative.
Let’s start with the Cowboys. The big name here is Trevon Diggs.
After missing significant time with a knee injury, Diggs was limited in practice to open the week. That’s not a green light, but it’s a promising sign.
There’s growing optimism that he could be on the field Thursday night, and even a limited version of Diggs gives Dallas a boost in the secondary.
On the other side of the ball, things are a little murkier. Rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton didn’t practice due to an ankle injury.
If he can’t go, Nathan Thomas is expected to step in. That’s a tough ask against a Detroit front that’s known for its physicality and depth.
The Cowboys will need to adjust accordingly to keep their protection schemes intact - especially on the edge.
Caelen Carson, who’s been dealing with a hamstring issue, was a full participant to start the week - a good sign for the depth chart. And DaRon Bland, one of the league’s most dynamic young defensive backs this season, was also a full go despite managing foot and wrist injuries. His availability is crucial, especially if Diggs is still working his way back to full speed.
Veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney didn’t practice due to a hamstring issue. While his absence isn’t a major red flag just yet, it’s something to monitor.
With the Cowboys navigating a congested part of the schedule, the coaching staff is understandably being cautious with their vets. Several other players were limited, and that’s par for the course in a stretch like this.
As for the Lions, they’re dealing with some key injuries of their own - and none bigger than Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The star wideout left last Thursday’s game with an ankle injury and didn’t practice to start this week. All signs point to him missing Thursday’s game, which would be a major blow to Detroit’s passing attack.
St. Brown is the heartbeat of that receiving corps - a go-to target who moves the chains and sets the tone.
Khalif Raymond, another receiver dealing with an ankle injury, also didn’t practice. That leaves Detroit potentially thin at wideout, which could shift more responsibility onto the run game and the tight ends.
Meanwhile, safety Kerby Joseph was limited with a knee issue. He’s a key part of the Lions’ secondary, and his status will be one to watch as the week progresses.
All in all, both teams are limping into this one a bit - but the stakes are high, and the margin for error is shrinking. For Dallas, it’s a chance to build momentum and claw their way back into the playoff picture. For Detroit, it’s about staying ahead in a crowded NFC race and proving they can win even when the roster isn’t at full strength.
Thursday night’s showdown might not be pretty - but it’s shaping up to be one of the more meaningful games of the week.