Jadeveon Clowney turned back the clock on Thanksgiving. The veteran edge rusher looked every bit the former No. 1 overall pick in the Cowboys’ win over the Chiefs, racking up two sacks, two QB hits, two tackles for loss, and six total tackles. It was a performance that reminded everyone just how disruptive Clowney can be when he's healthy and locked in.
But that kind of effort doesn’t come without a cost.
Clowney hasn’t practiced all week, and as the Cowboys prepare for a pivotal Thursday night matchup against the Lions, his status is very much in question. The team listed him as a DNP (did not participate) on Tuesday’s injury report due to a hamstring issue, and he hasn’t been spotted during the media-access portions of practice.
That’s not a great sign heading into a short week.
Owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan, offering a dose of cautious optimism. “I’d look to him to be available this week,” Jones said.
“That’s not a given. This truly is warming up out there before the game on Thursday, and if he can play, make him active.”
Translation: Clowney is the textbook definition of a game-time decision.
If he can’t suit up, the Cowboys will need their depth at edge rusher to step up in a big way. Sam Williams, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, and Dante Fowler Jr. are all in line for increased snaps if Clowney is unavailable. That’s no small task against a Detroit offense that’s been one of the most efficient in the league this season.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky-sometimes they linger, sometimes they flare up at the worst possible moment. Even if Clowney feels good during warmups, it’s a gamble to rely on him heavily without risking a setback. That’s why the Cowboys will likely be watching him closely right up until kickoff.
It’s a tough potential loss for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who’s seen Clowney become a key piece of the pass rush since signing with Dallas in mid-September. His veteran presence and ability to set the edge have been valuable assets, especially in big games like the one coming up in Detroit.
Still, Jones expressed confidence in the group behind Clowney, pointing to the recent emergence of Ezeiruaku and the relentless motor of Sam Williams.
“Between him (Clowney) and 41 (Eze), between those two, we have really started some outside pressure along with Sam's (Williams) relentless pressure,” Jones said. “So, bottom line is I like what we're getting from the outside.”
That outside pressure will be crucial on Thursday night against a Lions team that can move the ball in a hurry. At 6-5-1, the Cowboys are jockeying for playoff position, and a win in Detroit could go a long way in solidifying their postseason path. Whether Clowney is part of that effort remains to be seen, but Dallas is preparing for both scenarios.
We’ll continue to monitor his progress-and also keep an eye on cornerback Trevon Diggs, who’s working his way back from injured reserve and could provide a late-season boost to the secondary.
For now, all eyes are on Clowney’s hamstring and what it’ll let him do when the lights come on Thursday night.