Injury Report: Dallas Cowboys Add Darren McFadden To List
By Shawn S. Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week and almost destroyed any hope they have of making the playoffs. However, there is still an outside chance if they can win out the rest of the season. The problem is that injuries continue to plague the Cowboys, and this week they get their All-Pro quarterback back but have moved their starting running back to the injury list. Here is a look at this week's Cowboys injury report.
Two weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys released their starting running back Joseph Randle and replaced him with Darren McFadden. This week, the Cowboys cut backup Christine Michael, leaving McFadden as the only experienced running back on the roster. That made this week's injury news very concerning for the Cowboys. Just when they got Tony Romo back from his collar bone injury, McFadden showed up on the injury report with groin problems. The biggest complaint about McFadden's career has been his numerous injuries. He has suffered 15 different injuries over his NFL career and the Cowboys hope this hamstring problem won't hold him down. Their only other options are Rod Smith, Trey Williams and Robert Turbin, who was signed this week.
As for Romo's return, his first game back as an eligible player is Sunday's contest with the Miami Dolphins. Despite head coach Jason Garrett not admitting that Romo will play, the quarterback has been taking first team reps this week and the team cut Brandon Weeden, who opened the season as Romo's main backup. Matt Cassel is still on the team, but Romo will almost surely be back under center this Sunday as the Cowboys have an outside shot of making the playoffs.
Romo's top target, Dez Bryant, returned two weeks ago after breaking his foot in the first game of the season. Bryant has remained on the injury report, and added knee problems to his list of ailments, but has played both weeks. He is also limited this week, but he won't need any extra practice to get back on the same page as Tony Romo. Brice Butler is back in practice, working with strength coaches, but is not likely to return this week.
On defense, Sean Lee suffered a concussion two weeks ago and missed the Tampa Bay game. However, Lee has passed the NFL concussion protocol and should be back on the field this week. Also returning this week are Rolando McClain (foot) and Anthony Hitchens (ankle), returning the linebackers corps to full strength.
Brandon Carr, who has suffered from shoulder problems, was also back on the field in practice and will play. Barry Church has his ankle injury and was limited this week in practice. Morris Claiborne, who had to leave the Buccaneers game with hamstring and ankle problems, was not at practice on Thursday. Byron Jones might get more looks at cornerback but this really limits what the Cowboys can do in the secondary.
Probable:
Dez Bryant, WR (foot/knee)
Brandon Carr, CB (shoulder)
Barry Church, SS (ankle)
Nick Hayden, DT (ankle)
Jeff Heath, SS (shoulder)
Anthony Hitchens, MLB (ankle)
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE (back)
Sean Lee, OLB (concussion)
Rolando McClain, MLB (foot)
Questionable:
Jeremy Mincey, DE (thigh)
Kyle Wilber, OLB (toe)
Darren McFadden, RB (groin)
Out:
Brice Butler, WR (hamstring)
Morris Claiborne, CB (hamstring, ankle)
Ryan Russell, DE (abdomen)
Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He writes for a variety of national publications and has over 15 years of sports journalism experience. Follow Shawn on Twitter @sslealos. Examiner.com.
