Cowboys vs. Bengals: Zack Martin injured, Dallas loses 21-13

The Dallas Cowboys dropped their second preseason game to the Cincinnati Bengals, 21-13. The biggest news out of the game was the injury to Zack Martin. The Cowboys All-Pro guard took a helmet to his knee and never returned. He was seen back on the sidelines in street clothes without crutches, a somewhat good sign. We’re all waiting for an official update.

The starters played three series and looked okay, but not as efficient as last week. Of course, Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t in the game so there’s that. Injuries hit the team hard with guys like Xavier Woods, Bo Scarbrough, Datone Jones, Jameill Showers plus more with various degrees of injuries. The Cowboys struggled with protection once the starters left. And the Cowboys secondary depth is still a work in progress. Stay tuned for complete coverage of the game.

Fourth quarter

Bengals torch the Cowboys backups for an easy score, go back up 21-13.

After some nice runs from Darius Jackson, the Cowboys get a FG and cut the lead, 14-13.

Bengals get a FG, extend lead to 14-10.

Cowboys with a sluggish third quarter, need a rebound in the fourth quarter.

Third quarter

Bengals put together a strong drive and punch it in for a TD. They got for two and convert, Bengals lead 11-10.

Cowboys have lost Datone Jones to a left knee injury and Bo Scarbrough to a left hip injury.

Bengals get on the board with a long FG, Cowboys lead 10-3.

Taco Charlton with the sack, even drew a holding penalty.

Penalty from Jihad Ward extends the Bengals drive after a stop on third down, not a smart play.

Second quarter

Chido Awuzie with a spectacular interception!

Cowboys cause a fumble, Taco Charlton punches the ball loose and Byron Jones recovers!

Cowboys have taken out most of the starters on offense. Cooper Rush leading mostly backups. Three-and-out.

Byron Jones and Xavier Woods both shaken up. The Cowboys are suffering some injuries, but they don’t look too serious.

Cowboys touchdown! Dak Prescott rolled out of the pocket then hit Terrance Williams for the catch and score. Dallas 10-0.

Zack Martin leaving the game walking gingerly, looks like something with his lower leg.

First quarter

Three-and-out again for the Cowboys defense. Nice.

Cowboys take the lead 3-0 on a short Dan Bailey field goal.

Cowboys defense with a three-and-out.

Cowboys unable to convert on their second third-down opportunity, Bengals blitzed forced a quick pass. Great punt from Chris Jones, pins the Bengals deep.

First down conversion to Michael Gallup, looked very nice in execution.

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Pre-game

The Cowboys are prepping for their second game of the 2018 preseason, a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dallas lost their first one last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but that was largely due to the third- and fourth-stringers not doing their job. The Cowboys first couple of units looked very good and they hope to carry that momentum into the second game. The starters may get a little longer of a look in this game, although certain players may not see action. It’s unclear if Ezekiel Elliott will even play this preseason, and injured players like Travis Frederick and possibly Tavon Austin could be held out.

On defense, every Cowboys fan wants to see Randy Gregory get some snaps, but it’s uncertain if that will happen. If he doesn’t, there will still be players worth watching at defensive end like Taco Charlton and Dorance Armstrong. You probably won’t see Sean Lee out there making tackles, and first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch could miss the game if his groin is still bothering him.

Here’s your info for the game.

What You Need To Know

Important links: Cowboys depth chart | Roster

Date: Aug. 18, 2018

Game time: 7:00 PM EST

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV channel: NFL Network | CBS 11 KTVT (local)

Announcers: Bill Jones, Babe Laufenberg, Daryl Johnston, Lindsay Draper

Radio: 105.3 The Fan | Full listings |

Streaming: NFL.com GamePass, Watch NFL Network

Cowboys record: (0-1)

Bengals record: (1-0)

Odds: Dallas -3.5

Prediction: Dallas 24 - Cincinnati 18

Enemy blog: Cincy Jungle

Twitter: @BloggingTheBoys

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