The Damage Continues: Cowboys' Lance Dunbar Likely Out For Season

It looks more and more certain that Lance Dunbar is the latest member of the Dallas Cowboys to be struck down by injury. The team fears that he will be out for the season after suffering a knee injury on the ill-advised kick return to open the second half in the heart-breaking 26-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He will receive an MRI on Monday, but based on what everyone is hearing as well as the video of the injury, it is almost a given that his year is over.

Hoping @Dunbar_CDB5 @dallascowboys does not have what video looked like. Worry is ACL/MCL to left knee. #FingersCrossed

— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 5, 2015

The hits just keep on coming, with Sean Lee undergoing the league concussion protocol, Brice Butler having injured a hamstring on the 67-yard reception, and Andrew Gachkar going out on the penultimate play of the game with an unknown injury.

Dunbar would be the third major contributor to go on season-ending injured reserve this year, joining Orlando Scandrick and Terrell McClain. What looked to be such a promising season has been absolutely devastated by injuries, plus suspensions have also kept key players off the field. And we aren't talking marginal players here.

Top 10 #Cowboys players going into TC were probably: 9 88 77 70 50 32 98 76 55 82 in some order... 6 of those 10 were out by end of the game

— Joey Ickes (@JoeyIckes) October 5, 2015

Dunbar had played himself into a major part of the offense, especially with Brandon Weeden as quarterback. He led all receivers in total yards going into the Saints game. His case is similar to Terrell McClain's in that he was proving to be more valuable than most had expected. Now he just joins the many wounded and will have to see what next year brings.

His injury is particularly bitter, since he probably should have downed the ball since he took it deeper than five yards in the end zone. He tried to make something out of the play, but was hit before he reached the 10 yard line. It was a mistake that became enormous.

The path ahead just becomes more and more difficult for the Cowboys. They have to hope to be somewhat healthier after the bye week. But as these things keep piling up, even the most hopeful have to question if they will be able to overcome it all. If they do somehow manage to get into the playoffs this year, it will be one of the most remarkable comebacks in team history.