Dallas Cowboys bit by the injury bug
by Brandon Worley on Aug 24, 2008 3:54 PM CDT
41 comments
The past few years the Cowboys have been the best in the league when it comes to games lost due to injury. Granted there have been a few concerning injuries that affected the team such as Terrell Owens last year and Terence Newman and Anthony Henry trading spots as injured starting cornerbacks. Fortunately, the Cowboys have yet to have a catastrophic rash of injuries that severely affected the team. Until now.
Kyle Kosier, Miles Austin, Anthony Spencer and possibly Isaiah Stanback and Kevin Burnett will all miss at least the season opener against the Browns on September 7. The Kosier injury is obviously the most concerning since he is an established starter on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. There is a significant drop-off in both ability and experience between the starting lineman and the backups, and right now Joe Berger is the favorite to fill in for Kosier at LG. Berger had a decent camp, outperforming the other backups, but he has been underwhelming at best during the preseason games.
The injuries to Stanback and Austin are nearly as concerning, especially when you look at our depth at wide receiver. With Austin out and Stanback's status uncertain the Cowboys have just three receivers on the team that have caught a pass in the regular season. Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson's chances of making the team have become much higher and both will have a final chance to make their case Thursday against Minnesota.
If it were my decision I would say Amendola gets the final spot. He has proven to be more useful than the other fringe receivers, showing the ability to return punts and kickoffs. True, he did fumble on his first return and his indecision on a route led to an interception, but for the most part he has sure hands on returns and seems to be fearless. If the Cowboys do keep Amendola, I wouldn't expect him to see a whole lot of time on offense, but he is definitely valuable as a kickoff return man with Stanback and Austin out.
The Cowboys were hoping to be able to control the reps of Greg Ellis this year, keeping him fresh as the season wore on. They were going to do this by getting Anthony Spencer more time on the field in relief of Ellis. The good news is that Spencer is not expected to miss significant time, and possibly just the season opener. Burnett might be back for week one against Cleveland which would help out with depth at linebacker if Spencer does miss more time than expected.
The good side of all this is that these injuries occurred in the preseason, minimizing the amount of regular season games that will be affected. However, these injuries will affect the depth charts in ways the Cowboys probably didn't intend on entering the season. The Cowboys will certainly have to keep six receivers now and possibly an extra lineman, leaving them to keep five cornerbacks instead of six. This will also affect some fringe special teamers, such as Dowayne Davis, whose slim chance of making the roster just went away. Speaking of special teams, nearly all of the injured players had a significant role on the return and coverage units.
The Cowboys will have their depth tested in the opening month of the season. The good news is that there is plenty of time for guys to get healthy and get back in there as the team moves on towards the playoffs.
Grizz was asked by SB Nation's fantasy blog, Fake Teams, to opine on the Cowboys best fantasy football prospect and a sleeper. While his sleeper is not a true sleeper, it's a guy everybody asks about.
The Landry Hat has an interview with Ed "Too Tall" Jones they wanted Cowboys fans to know about.
Tough break for the Giants, Osi is done for the year.
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I fully belive
due to the nature of the game EVERY year EVERY team is going to lose a ‘major’ player… now, that ‘major’ player might not see as major IF his backup comes in and does an admirable job…
last year we lost Ferguson in game one.. i figured that we would lose some producition in stopping the running game, when in fact it probably led us to signing tank and getting some time out of Ratliff (right it was Ratliff, who came in.)
To be honest if we get through pre season with JUST Kosier hurt for the first few games i would consider that really good news.. not that the other guys who are hurt does not hurt our team but at least Tony, or MBIII, or D Wawe or T New, or T.O. went down..
look around the leage and see some of the major guys who are hurt.. or for that matter look in our own divison.. Osi, the redskins starting 2 defesnsive ends are hurt.. (not sure of the the extent of their injuries), the Eagles top WRs are hurt (Again, not sure of the extent there) but that is rough….
injuries are part of the game, you just hope that it’s not your franchise QB, WR, DB, or such that go down.. and when someone does go down, can the back up play at leat OK to get you through…
by stephena on Aug 24, 2008 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Larry Allen
please report to Dallas for a one year contract. You know your last year to be with the Cowboys.
by sublimezg on Aug 24, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
can u imagine
Allen-Geroude-Davis
WOAH BUDDY!
by sublimezg on Aug 24, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I’m sure Hudson Houck would approve
by sublimezg on Aug 24, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Larry's done
His better years were five years ago
by Deke on Aug 24, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not sure what the big fella has left in him.....
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Aug 24, 2008 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
well
He did manage a probowl last year.. Even if he lost 2 3 steps I’d still say he’s better than Kosier and certainly better than Berger
by sublimezg on Aug 24, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Hope You Guys Are Joking
Kosier was an upgrade over Allen in 2006. He was almost completely immobile back in 2004, and whiffed on half his blocks. Conditioning was a serious issue with him from 2001 on. He last made the Pro Bowl in the 2006 season, and voting for that is a joke.
by kindablue on Aug 24, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
McQuistan?
Sorry, I probably spelled his name wrong, but I was reading that he was going to get a chance to play at guard this training camp to make him more versatile. Any chance he gets to take over and play while Kosier is gone?
"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno
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by hinduplaya on Aug 24, 2008 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I Think There's a Chance
But the coaching staff want to see if the backups on the roster, Berger and Proctor, can play. The results so far are not promising, but they need to be given the chance. If they can’t fill in for Kosier, there doesn’t seem to be much point in keeping them on the roster—Berger might be someone who doesn’t make the final roster cut.
Under this situation, McQuistan would be the backup-backup option.
by kindablue on Aug 24, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Berger has actually been better than Procter and Marten
Berger will definitely make the cut
by quincyyyyy on Aug 24, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strahan wanted 8 million to
come back it would probably take 12-16 million to get him to come back now. HAHAHAHA!
by cowboy78 on Aug 24, 2008 5:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Could Free play at LG?
I know he’s being groomed as Flo’s eventual backup, but it seems like he’s the best backup lineman we have right now. Would it make sense to give him some time at guard? I’m sure he can pull, and I’m sure he’s gotten stronger with his off-season training.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Aug 24, 2008 5:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought about that too
But I dont know if I want to go into the season with a guy that has little experience as it is, starting at a spot that is not his normal position and probably has very few if any practice snaps at.
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 24, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1...I'd prefer to see Free come in at LG.....
2nd string O linemen haven’t shown me anything this preseason……….I’d rather see the best of the bunch get a shot at LG…
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Aug 24, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoa! tap the brakes brandon!
“A catastrophic rash of injuries that severely affected the team” this sounds like the most over the top, panicked thing I have ever read in the center section.
Who is hurt?
Two backup WR’s who combined for 5 lifetime catches.
Our worst starting offensive lineman.
Our two most important back up linebackers.
Heck, last year we lost our starting NT and our best corner early in the season. Those were real losses that are tough to fill. You don’t find number one corners or 3-4 tackles anywhere. we are looking for back up line backers and WR’s and a guy who can fill in as an interior lineman. This may not be a slam dunk, but its as close to a lay up as you get with injuries.
I think you are overeacting majorly.
by 325424 on Aug 24, 2008 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i agree
this isn’t a catastrophic rash. Kosier is the worst injury, but he’s probably the most replaceable on the line, and if you lined up what you’d consider the starting 11 offense for this team, he’s probably the one we’d be least concerned about losing. Not that he’s not important, but it’s hardly catastrophic yet. Burnett and Spencer test our depth at LB but they aren’t starters and will probably miss only a game or two anyway, if that. Austin and Stanback hurt our return game and they slow their development at receiver, but they are not catastrophic losses at that position by any means.
by scottmaui on Aug 24, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that was a bit harsh
My point is that it has been a while since the Cowboys have had to deal with this many significant injuries at once. I
It could definitely be a lot worse and I am thankful that it isn’t.
by Brandon Worley on Aug 24, 2008 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
last year
weren’t we a lot worse off a game into the season last year with newman and fergie out?
down a 3-4 NT and a your best corner is much much much worse than down a couple back up linebackers, your worst starting lineman and a couple guys who verge on being street free agent wr’s.
we can make up for the loss of austin byy signing glenn or horn to a contract and cutting them once people get healthy.
by 325424 on Aug 24, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We really haven't been bit by the injury bug
Which one of our 13 probowlers won’t be there against Cleveland? It could be a lot worse (knock on wood). Its mostly been backups and an average player that have been injured. Its really not a big deal, yet it seems some are freaking out.
by quincyyyyy on Aug 24, 2008 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Injuries are never good
but I do believe that there is soo much riding on this season that some of us are scrutinizing everything that happens to the team and around the team it gets us really worked up. Especially with the round the clock coverage it just make it worse sometimes. Personally I stayed up really late the day before this preseason game and the night of the game. We all want the same thing a healthy competative team that will contend for this years superbowl and be in contention for many more. The fact we were soo close last year just adds to the anticipation this year. As a fan I have to temper my sense of anticipation because the regular season has not even started yet. Personally this last preseason game, my heart was beating faster than it was in the previous games; mainly because this game was considered the dress rehersal and I was anxious to see how they would do. I bring this up as a caution to anyone who might be going through the same feelings; just do not get too worked up. Its not healthy and imagine what it will be like when things do not go their way during the regular season. I have high hopes for this year’s team; and I hope they will perceviere over the obstacles they face this year.
GO COWBOYS!!!!
by cowboy78 on Aug 24, 2008 6:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1 cowboys78
I’m goin through it with you my friend……..
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Aug 24, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I stayed up late
to read comments and articles from this sites and others.
by cowboy78 on Aug 24, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm feeling crazy but i've got the # 1 fantisy pick and i might pick mb3
how crazy is that really?
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Aug 24, 2008 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't get me lying
I do not know the first thing about FF.
by cowboy78 on Aug 24, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be foolish move
The Cat will steal a lot of his production
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Aug 24, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hash.....it's really not a bad pick....
i can see him rackin’ up 1,800 total yards and 18 TD’s……even with him sharing duties with Felix Jones…
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Aug 24, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be a pretty gutsy move
but if is worked out……….BRILLIANT….
i LOVE fantsay and there is not much to dislike about a bunch of our offensive players, our kicker, and our D… (luckily give up some yardage on kick returns does not hurt you in fantasy, i think our D will have many sacks and turnovers and good potential to score on some returns)
however, there is no way I see MBIII as a fist pick and almost not even a first round pick in 10 team leagues…. i see him running hard and getting good yards and TDs, however i see Felix taking a bunch of carries in the course of a game and some of those will be TDs. Up until now MBIII has been a great fantasy pick (in rounds 3 or 4) because he was a ‘backup’ but he got the goal line carries.
between felix getting more than just spot carries or touches and the fact that we are a 60% passing team I think there are more than 10 or 12 players (top QBs, FULL time top RBs, and possibly a WR or two) that would go before MBIII…
HOWEVER, IF you draft first and then don’t draft again until everyone else has drafted twice (i.e. draft goes for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,…… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ) giveing you the first and 20 pick, MBIII probably won’t be there on the return…
but i LOVE you thinking…..
by stephena on Aug 25, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rank
MB3 as #6. When you think about it what is the difference between him and Addai? Our offense is more potent, so more opportunities to score, and he will share carries..
I do think S. Jax will have a better season because he is center of the offense..
"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"
by Wmillion on Aug 25, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
trade for guard?
what do you guys think are the chances of Jerry trading for a guard who could come in for Kosier, if he’s not really confident in Berger or McQ or any others stepping up? I really don’t know if there’s any guards out there who might be on the market, but it seems like he’s probably at least looking into possibilities.
by scottmaui on Aug 24, 2008 7:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I just dont see that happening at all
and really, if you would trade for a guard, it’s not like you’re going to get an experienced guy, probably no better than what we aready have on the roster, so I dont see it happening.
In Next years draft, a left guard should be a priority in the first three rounds..
by Deke on Aug 24, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully round 1....
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Aug 24, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think our injury situation is fine
IMO Kosier is our worst starter out of all 22 positions now that Spears is finally starting to live up to his 1st rd status so if I had to pick one starter we could afford to lose, it probably would be Kosier.
All the other injured players are backups and everyone’s injuries are temporary, nobody is out for the season. We’re lucky in that regard, look at the Giants losing Osi for the year, that kills their chances of a repeat.
We’ve been spoiled with the amount of injures we’ve had in the past, we’re still in great shape.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Aug 24, 2008 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
great points..
Kinda what I was trying to get across, I guess.
by Brandon Worley on Aug 24, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
co-sign
"Jerry Jones offers more second chances than a tent revival." -- Kevin Sherrington, The Dallas Morning News
www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]
by silverblue5 on Aug 25, 2008 6:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's our worst starter.......
thats a strange spot to be in…..i kind of thought he was consistant….but then i really never focused on him for a long period of time….i just hope our back-up can step up…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Aug 24, 2008 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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