This week, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering an ankle sprain during practice.
Along with Gregory, DeMarcus Lawrence will also be unavailable against the Falcons as he recovers from a broken bone in his foot. Gregory is arguably the best defensive player on the Cowboys roster, and his loss will put added pressure on defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to find a way to rush the edge.
At various times this season, rookie linebacker Micah Parsons has lined up and done well in the edge-rushing role. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, Parsons lined up almost exclusively in the position and recorded one sack. But Parsons isn’t the only option the Cowboys can consider to fill in for the injured players.
Nick Eatman, a beat writer for DallasCowboys.com, believes the team will likely use Dorance Armstrong and Tarell Basham against Atlanta. Basham has been lining up in Lawrence’s spot since the linesmen suffered a freak broken bone in practice back in September. He has yet to be cleared to return to practice.
Rookie DE Chauncey Golston will also be available. After not playing in the first two games, Golston has gotten playing time in each of the last six games. His best performance came against Carolina, where he tallied five total tackles and a half-sack.
This year, the Cowboys selected Golston in the third round of the NFL draft, using an extra pick gained from moving back in the first round.
This week, Michael Gallup will likely get off the bench after suffering a calf strain in the season opener against Tampa Bay. Cedrick Wilson has started in place of Gallup but is reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury. Before the injury, Gallup was expected to have a breakout year after an excellent 2020 season that saw him pick up nearly 900 yards in receptions.
The rest of the Cowboys receiving corps should be ready to go. Wide receiver Amari Cooper has been dealing with a hamstring issue but told reporters this week that he feels good in practice. On the other side of the field, CeeDee Lamb has been dealing with an ankle injury, also suffered in practice, but is anticipated to be ready to play on Sunday.
The team has not announced whether placekicker Greg Zuerlein will clear Covid-19 protocols before Sunday’s game. Earlier this week, Zuerlein was placed on the Covid list, forcing the team to bring in a backup kicker. The team signed Lirim Hajrullahu to the practice squad on Wednesday as insurance if Zuerlein isn’t available.
Punter Bryan Anger and long snapper Jake McQuaid were held out of practice this week, though the team says that the move was out of an abundance of caution rather than due to injury or close contact with Zuerlein, which could trigger Covid protocols.
The Cowboys face off against the Atlanta Falcons at noon on Sunday in Arlington. The Falcons beat division rival New Orleans last week on a last-second field goal to hit 4-4 on the season. The Cowboys’ loss to Denver leaves the team at 6-2, but several games ahead in the NFC East.