The injury bug is biting hard in Dallas-and it’s not letting up.
As the NFL season barrels toward its final stretch, the Cowboys find themselves in a familiar, frustrating position: banged up and scrambling to keep key players on the field. Thursday’s injury report didn’t bring much relief. In fact, it only deepened the concern inside The Star.
Let’s start at the top. CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ All-Pro wideout and offensive engine, missed his second straight practice due to an illness.
While it’s not a long-term injury, missing multiple days this late in the week raises real questions about his availability for Sunday. Lamb’s presence stretches defenses, and without him, Dallas loses its most dynamic playmaker.
But that’s just the beginning.
Rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, cornerback DaRon Bland, and safety Alijah Clark all logged DNPs (Did Not Practice) on Thursday. Guyton’s absence is notable as the Cowboys continue to shuffle the offensive line due to injuries and inconsistency. Clark’s situation is also worth watching, especially with the secondary already stretched thin.
And then there’s Bland.
The All-Pro corner missed his second consecutive practice with a foot injury, and now things are trending in the wrong direction. Reports indicate Bland is likely headed for surgery on his left foot-the second time in as many years he’s had to go under the knife. While he’s reportedly seeking a second opinion, the expectation is clear: Bland won’t be back on the field this season, regardless of whether surgery happens or not.
That’s a crushing blow. Bland has been a difference-maker on the back end, a ballhawk who’s elevated Dallas’ secondary with his instincts and playmaking. Losing him with three games to go, and with playoff positioning on the line, is a massive setback for Dan Quinn’s defense.
There was at least a sliver of good news on the defensive front. Quinnen Williams, who entered concussion protocol following the Vikings game, returned to limited work Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. That’s a positive sign for the Cowboys’ interior defense, which relies on Williams’ power and disruption to anchor the line.
Meanwhile, tight end Jake Ferguson, defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, and linebacker Nate Thomas all practiced in full for a second straight day. That trio trending upward is encouraging, particularly Ferguson, who’s become a reliable target in the red zone and a strong blocker in the run game.
Trevon Diggs remains limited, as do running back Javonte Williams and the recently-returned trio of Phil Mafah, Shavon Revel Jr., and Payton Turner. None of those limitations are unexpected, but they’re still part of the larger picture: a Cowboys team trying to hold it together as the postseason looms.
Injuries are part of the game, especially in December. But for Dallas, the timing and severity of these setbacks-especially the likely loss of Bland-couldn’t be much worse.
With three games left in the regular season, the Cowboys are still in the playoff hunt. But if they’re going to make a serious run, they’ll need to find answers quickly-and hope the injury report starts trending in the right direction.