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The Dallas Cowboys suffered a couple of injuries in the Raiders to guys who could have major roles this season. Chaz Green, possible starting left guard, hurt his ankle, but the more serious looking one was to Anthony Hitchens, the Cowboys starting middle linebacker unless Jaylon Smith beats him out.
Late in the second quarter, just before halftime, Hitchens went down to the turf and stayed there for a while as the trainers took a look at his knee and lower leg. They finally led him off the field very gingerly. Ian Rapoport reports:
#Cowboys fear starting LB Anthony Hitchens suffered a season-ending knee injury, sources say. MRI coming. A potential big loss on D.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2017
Jason Garrett will only say Hitchens will have an MRI to see the amount of damage.
Hitchens will get an MRI, Jason Garrett says in his postgame press conference.
— CBSDFW (@CBSDFW) August 27, 2017
One report had Hitchens wearing a heavy knee brace after the game.
Walking to the field from the press box and out walked Hitchen wearing a serious knee brace. Looks to be very serious knee injury
— JESSE with no "i" (@Mr4thAndLong) August 27, 2017
Hitchens was having a great camp and was playing well in the preseason, he looked determine to hold off any challenge from Jaylon Smith for the starting middle linebacker spot. If Hitchens is seriously hurt or out for the year, and the Cowboys lose Damien Wilson to any kind of suspension, then Smith and Justin Durant become extremely important Cowboys for the foreseeable future. The fact that Durant is now ready to practice and play is a blessing for a position that could use some veteran insurance.
We’re hoping Hitchens isn’t lost for the year, but if he is, the Cowboys will have to test Smith more than they would probably have liked to early on.