The Dallas Cowboys will get a shot at the reigning Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and will do so with several key players returning from injury. The Rams, already struggling to fill holes due to injury along the offensive line, will not be so fortunate. The eviscerated line will be tested by one of the NFL’s most feared defenses in the NFL.
The Cowboys will likely have their hands full on the offensive line as well. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has the ability to change the game at any moment, and according to reports, he may get opportunities as he faces Connor McGovern instead of Jason Peters. Peters was a Friday addition to the Cowboys’ injury report with a chest injury the veteran suffered in practice. Peters is listed as doubtful and is expected to undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury.
The Cowboys will again have Cooper Rush at quarterback instead of Dak Prescott. Prescott has yet to begin practicing again and will be kept out until he has completed a full week of practice. Rush will have Michael Gallup for the second week. Gallup had two receptions on three targets last week, scoring a touchdown on his second catch.
The Cowboys are reporting that they anticipate having CeeDee Lamb and Noah Brown on the field Sunday, but both receivers were held out of practice this week. Lamb had soreness in his groin, while Brown is recovering from a neck injury he suffered in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders.
Rush will also get tight end Dalton Schultz back for the second week. Schultz suffered a knee injury in Week 1. Schultz had three targets last week but did not record a reception. The Cowboys have been slotting Jake Ferguson in on two-tight end sets this season, but the fourth-round pick may not be available Sunday. He is dealing with a knee injury. Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon will be available to replace Ferguson if needed.
A critical injury for the Cowboys came last week when the team lost long snapper Jake McQuaide to a season-ending torn triceps injury. The Cowboys have signed two long snappers this week to replace him. The Cowboys signed Matt Overton and Tucker Addington to provide a solution at the position.
The Rams will be without offensive linemen Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., and Brian Allen on Sunday. The team is expected to press Jeremiah Kolone into service at center. Kolone has been an on-again, off-again player on the Rams practice squad for the last few years and was involved in only five snaps on special teams last week. Guard David Edwards remains in concussion protocol and is expected to be a game-time decision.
The patched-together unit gave up seven sacks against the 49ers last week, and quarterback Matthew Stafford was on the run most of the game. With numerous players missing again this week and others playing injured, the Rams will have their hands full against the Dallas defense.
Dallas will likely see the return of Jayron Kearse at safety, adding depth to the secondary. Kearse was a full participant in practice after being a game-time decision against the Commanders.
The Rams represent one of the greatest challenges the Cowboys have faced this season. Injuries to both teams may play a significant role in the outcome of the game.     Â
