Cowboys Face Key Injuries Ahead of Crucial Thursday Night Matchup with Lions
The Dallas Cowboys are riding high after a statement win on Thanksgiving, but they’ll head into Thursday night’s showdown with the Detroit Lions missing some critical pieces - and with the NFC East race hanging in the balance, the timing couldn’t be worse.
At 6-5-1, Dallas is still very much alive in the playoff hunt, and a win over the 7-5 Lions - paired with a Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Chargers - would pull them within half a game of the division lead. But the Cowboys won’t be at full strength when they take the field in Detroit.
Let’s start in the trenches. Rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton has officially been ruled out, which is a significant blow to a unit that’s been steadily improving. Guyton’s development has been one of the quiet success stories of the season, and his absence will test the Cowboys’ depth up front against a Lions pass rush that’s been getting after quarterbacks all year.
On the defensive side, Jadeveon Clowney is dealing with a hamstring injury and is currently listed as a game-time decision. Clowney’s presence has been a major factor in Dallas’ ability to generate pressure without blitzing, and if he can’t go - or is limited - it could force the Cowboys to get creative with their front seven.
Then there’s the Trevon Diggs situation. The All-Pro corner has been designated for return, but he won’t be making his season debut just yet. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a secondary that could use his playmaking ability, especially against a Lions offense that can spread the field and push the ball vertically.
Detroit has injury concerns of its own. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St.
Brown is also a game-time decision after tweaking his ankle in last week’s win over the Packers. If he’s limited or unavailable, it changes the calculus for both teams.
St. Brown is Jared Goff’s go-to target, and without him, the Lions' passing game loses a big chunk of its rhythm and reliability.
The Cowboys are coming off a dramatic 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving - a game that didn’t just save their season, but also made history. With 57.23 million viewers, it became the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history. That kind of spotlight isn’t just about bragging rights - it’s a sign that Dallas is still one of the league’s biggest draws, especially when they’re winning.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys’ path to the postseason is clear, if not easy. After Detroit, they return home to face the struggling Minnesota Vikings (4-8) and a Chargers squad that’s been hit hard by injuries.
They’ll close out the regular season with division matchups against Washington (3-9) and the New York Giants (2-11). On paper, running the table is very much in play.
Meanwhile, the Eagles - currently leading the NFC East - have a tougher road. They’ll face the Chargers on Monday night, then host the Raiders in Week 15 before traveling to Washington and Buffalo. Their regular-season finale is a home tilt against the Commanders.
If Dallas wins out, they’ll finish 11-5-1. For that to be enough to take the division, the Eagles would need to drop two of their final five. That’s not out of the realm of possibility, especially with a Washington team that could have rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels back under center for one or both of those matchups.
Bottom line: the Cowboys are still in the fight, but Thursday night in Detroit is a pivotal moment. With key players sidelined and the margin for error shrinking, Dallas will need to lean on its depth, discipline, and a little bit of that Thanksgiving Day magic to keep their division hopes alive.