Despite a 3-7 start to the season, the Dallas Cowboys have some good news on the way. With injuries plaguing both sides of the ball since before the season began, the burden may be relieved with the projected return of a few players from the injured reserve list as early as Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
Brandin Cooks, a wide receiver who has missed six games due to a knee injection that became infected, had his 21-day practice window activated on Wednesday and participated in the team’s walkthrough session. The veteran receiver is slated to return in Sunday’s game against the Commanders. To cross that threshold, he will need to complete a full practice by Saturday.
“I feel great,” Cooks stated on Wednesday. “My mindset is to go out there as if I didn’t lose a step.” While DaRon Bland has been activated from injured reserve for three weeks, the third-year cornerback and last year’s NFL interceptions leader is scheduled to make his season debut against Washington on Sunday after suffering a foot fracture in training camp. He fully participated in the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday.
Although it has been difficult for him to play again, head coach Mike McCarthy stated that it will be wonderful to see him again. “His appearance today was significant.”
After missing five games due to a partially torn meniscus in his right knee, rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland also had his practice window activated. On Wednesday, he participated in a limited walkthrough as well. According to a source, the team is “hopeful” that he will be able to practise more later in the week so that he may play against Washington on Sunday.
Chuma Edoga, an offensive lineman, is also on the verge of being activated by the team off the injured reserve. Due to a toe injury sustained during training camp, the sixth-year lineman has not participated in any games this season. In the event that rookie Tyler Guyton’s shoulder issue lasts into the week, he could be used against Washington. His practice window was opened before to the team’s defeat to Houston. He participated fully in Wednesday’s team walkthrough and is anticipated to be added to the 53-man roster as soon as a spot opens up.
Two of the seven players who are still on the injured reserve are anticipated to make a comeback in 2024. While cornerback Amani Oruwariye is still undergoing rehabilitation for a back injury with no set return date, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to return from his foot injury in December. Dak Prescott, a quarterback
The season will be missed by defensive end Sam Williams (knee), offensive lineman Nathan Thomas (knee), quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), tight end John Stephens Jr. (knee), and tackle Earl Bostick Jr. (ankle). Following a horrific dislocated shoulder injury sustained during Sunday’s loss to the Texans, safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) is anticipated to join that group. “He’s going to have surgery soon,” McCarthy stated about Bell. “He has fulfilled all of the requests made of him…He will undoubtedly be missed this year.