Cowboys unlikely to have Tavon Austin for the Washington game

The Dallas Cowboys will be likely without one of their receiving corps when they play Washington this Sunday. Tavon Austin came up lame in the game against the Jaguars and coach Jason Garrett is not “overly optimistic” about his chances of playing the next game.

Austin strained his right groin midway through the third quarter Sunday against Jacksonville on a run around the left end. He was hurt near the sideline and didn’t return. Austin had his right groin heavily wrapped as he congratulated players entering the locker room after the game.

”It might be a little bit of time,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said of Austin’s timeline to return. “We’ll take his situation day by day, but I’m not overly optimistic he’ll be available this week.”

Austin has seven catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He also has six rushes for 55 yards which is a 9.2 yards per attempt average. He also adds a speed threat that on film can be seen stretching defenses vertically.

The Cowboys have yet to really incorporate Austin in a meaningful way to their offense and so far his rushing attempts are limited to jet sweeps instead of lining up in the backfield and acting like the “web back” that was promised in the offseason. Austin’s absence might finally open up an opportunity for Brice Butler to play a role and become the deep threat.