The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their postseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers, but they could be without two vital starters this week. OL Tyler Smith is dealing with a plantar fascia tear in his foot, and CB Stephon Gilmore is dealing with a shoulder injury.
HC Mike McCarthy gave updates on the two vital players who are battling injuries on Monday.
Latest Injury Updates
LG Tyler Smith
Smith has been battling a foot tear since the Week 17 victory over the Detroit Lions McCarthy said the second-year player is “feeling better” and anticipates that he will be limited at Wednesday’s practice. This is a promising sign since Smith didn’t participate in practice all last week.
Per Mike McCarthy, Tyler Smith (foot) is “feeling better,” McCarthy anticipates that Smith will be limited at Wednesday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/kNeqsxRsTO
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_)
He didn’t play in the team’s final regular-season game against the Washington Commanders.
OL Brock Hoffman stepped in for Smith since OL T.J. Bass had to step in at right guard for Zack Martin, who was inactive.
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However, if Smith isn’t available this week, the team could bring in insurance from the practice squad with their newest signing, OL La’el Collins.
McCarthy said last week that the team wouldn’t play Collins in the regular season, as he was brought onto the team as insurance for the postseason.
CB Stephon Gilmore
As for Gilmore, he was injured during Sunday’s game against the Commanders. He landed on his shoulder, which he later said popped out of place.
After the game, the cornerback said he expects to return by the Wild Card Round on Sunday.
On Monday, McCarthy said Gilmore looked better than the team had anticipated, but they will see how this week of practice goes for him.
Per Mike McCarthy, CB Stephon Gilmore (shoulder) “feels good about the opportunity Sunday” and he looks better than they anticipated. They will see how the week goes at practice for him. pic.twitter.com/cABDESQvrw
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_)
During a conference call on Monday, S Jayron Kearse was asked about the injury, and Kearse’s response was trusting whatever the cornerback said would be how things would play out.
“A guy like that puts all the work in and gonna continue to get work done on his body and do the things he feels he needs to do to get out there on the field with us, so I definitely believe he’s gonna be good. If that’s what he says, I’m taking his word for it,” said Kearse.
As for Gilmore’s impact on this team, Kearse said he had had an effect since starting his tenure in Dallas in March.
“He’s always gonna tell you the right things at that moment,” said the safety, adding, “He doesn’t really say much, but when he does say things, it’s impactful, and it’s heavy.”
Gilmore’s impact on the Cowboys’ secondary will be vital in this Wild Card matchup against the Packers on Sunday.
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