We’ve officially hit that stretch of the season where every snap feels like it carries playoff implications. The Dallas Cowboys are right in the thick of the NFC postseason picture, but they’ve got some work to do-and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
With each win, the math gets a little more favorable. But with each injury, the road gets just a little more complicated.
Heading into their matchup with the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys are dealing with a few key personnel questions, but overall, they’re in relatively solid shape. The biggest blow?
Rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton has been ruled out after missing the entire week of practice with a high-ankle sprain. That’s a tough loss in the trenches, especially against a Lions front that can bring pressure from multiple angles.
On the defensive side, cornerback Trevon Diggs has been trending in the right direction, participating in limited sessions throughout the week. There was some hope he might be able to suit up, but the team ultimately decided to play it safe-he’s out for this one. That decision likely reflects both his recovery timeline and the long-term view of keeping him healthy for a potential playoff push.
The rest of the Cowboys’ injury report is more encouraging. Jadeveon Clowney, who’s been nursing a hamstring issue, was upgraded to limited participation in practice and is officially questionable.
If he’s able to go, it would be a big boost to a Dallas pass rush that’s already one of the league’s most disruptive. Safety Malik Hooker is also listed as questionable with a back issue, but there’s optimism he’ll be available.
Meanwhile, George Pickens and DaRon Bland-both of whom had been dealing with lower-body injuries-were full participants in practice and are good to go. That’s big news, especially for a secondary that will be tested even with Detroit’s offensive injuries.
And speaking of Detroit-this is not the same Lions team we saw earlier in the season. Injuries have taken a serious toll on Dan Campbell’s squad, and they’re heading into this game shorthanded in a big way.
Wide receiver Khalif Raymond has already been ruled out with an ankle injury, and the status of star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is very much in doubt.
St. Brown is the engine of Detroit’s passing game-a do-it-all receiver with elite route-running skills and a knack for making tough catches in traffic.
From 2022 through 2024, he’s posted over 100 receptions each season, and his absence would be a massive blow to the Lions’ offensive rhythm.
Detroit’s defense isn’t immune to the injury bug, either. Safety Kerby Joseph was downgraded earlier this week and didn’t practice on Wednesday, putting his availability in serious question. If he can’t go, it leaves the Lions thin in the secondary-potentially opening the door for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ passing attack to take advantage.
Bottom line: Dallas enters this game healthier and with a bit more momentum, but this is December football-nothing comes easy. The Cowboys need to take care of business, and with Detroit limping into this one, the opportunity is there.
But they’ll need to execute, stay disciplined, and make the most of their matchups. With the playoff picture tightening, every game from here on out is essentially a must-win.