Dallas Cowboys Week 14 Injury Report: Darren McFadden Nearing Return
By Shawn Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the first NFL playoff spot last week with their win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday and the Washington Redskins loss on Sunday. This week, the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to avenge their only loss of the season against the New York Giants, and if they do, the Cowboys will clinch the NFC East and have a chance to secure a first-round bye with help. Here is a look at the Dallas Cowboys injury report for their big Week 14 game.
Darren McFadden Not Returning From Injury This Week
Darren McFadden has been out since before the season started, following pre-season surgery. The Dallas Cowboys had a certain amount of time to bring him back, but it won’t happen this week. McFadden has said that he is ready to return, but he won’t do so this week. He has been working with the scout team since returning to practice, but there is little room for him behind the NFL’s leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris.
However, the Dallas Cowboys might find some use for him starting next week. They want to keep Elliott healthy heading into the playoffs and Darren McFadden could give the Cowboys another running back to let Elliott ease his load a little so he can enter the postseason energized.
"Probably got another week," McFadden told the Dallas Morning News. "I'm just out there moving around, practicing and doing whatever I can do to give them a good look and just wait until it's time for me to go."
Secondary Still Banged Up Heading Into Giants Game
Barry Church returned from his injury last week, but the Cowboys lost J.J. Wilcox, leaving them shorthanded at safety. It also doesn’t help that Morris Claiborne is still out and Orlando Scandrick missed time this week due to personal reasons after suffering through a hurt foot. Barry Church played in 72 of 74 plays in his return and made nine tackles, looking good with a cast on his arm.
Orlando Scandrick is dealing with an injury in his family and has openly said he is frustrated with his lingering injury problems; he should play on Sunday. Morris Claiborne is listed as questionable, but he won’t play on Sunday as he continues to rehab his groin injury. J.J. Wilcox won’t play this week and is listed as out.
New York Giants Lose Jason Pierre-Paul for Rest of Season
The biggest news coming from the New York Giants camp this weekend is that Jason Pierre-Paul had to undergo surgery and will be out for the rest of the regular season. He could return in time for the playoffs if the Giants make it that far, but he won’t be there to help the Giants win on Sunday. Kerry Wynn will step up to try to cover the absence. Other major injuries for the Giants on Sunday night are running back Shane Vereen and Justin Pugh. The decision on Vereen will come Saturday and Pugh might be a game-time decision.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report
Questionable:
- (SS) Barry Church (Forearm) — Full Participation in Practice
- (CB) Morris Claiborne (Groin) — Did Not Participate In Practice
- (DE) Jack Crawford (Foot) — Limited Participation in Practice
- (LB) Justin Durant (Hamstring) — Limited Participation in Practice
- (DE) Demarcus Lawrence (Back) — Did Not Participate In Practice
- (CB) Orlando Scandrick (Foot) — Limited Participation in Practice
- (T) Tyron Smith (Back) — Limited Participation in Practice
Out:
- (SS) J.J. Wilcox (Thigh) — Did Not Participate In Practice
- (OT) Chaz Green (Back) — Did Not Participate In Practice
