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The injury bug has refused to leave the Dallas Cowboys alone throughout 2020. When the Cowboys hosted the Cleveland Browns five weeks ago, center Joe Looney left after the game’s first play. As a result of Looney’s injury the Cowboys had to plug their fourth-round rookie Tyler Biadasz in at center, and while many believe him to be the center of the future, it is never an easy thing to do so early on in a career.
Biadasz has played well so far, but he didn’t play against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a hamstring injury during warmups before the game. Stephen Jones appeared on 105.3 The Fan on Monday and noted that he will unfortunately be out for a little while.
Tyler Biadasz to be out “2-3 weeks at a minimum”, Andy Dalton will be starter when he is healthy
Ultimately, the Cowboys played well against Pittsburgh, they just didn’t do enough to secure the win. A lot of the reason for their positive play was backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert and people are wondering if he will hold on to the job when Andy Dalton is healthy.
Stephen Jones addressed this issue as well during his Monday radio appearance. He noted that Dalton will return under center when he is cleared from the concussion protocol and off of the Reserve/Covid-19 list. He also added that the center he is behind will be Joe Looney as Tyler Biadasz will miss 2-3 weeks at a minimum.
Cowboys expect QB Andy Dalton (concussion, reserve/COVID-19) back after bye. VP Stephen Jones says “Andy’s our quarterback” when back but lauded Garrett Gilbert’s day vs. Steelers.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 9, 2020
“I thought he had a hell of a day,” Stephen told @1053thefan. “Gave us every opportunity to win.”
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on @1053thefan C Tyler Biadasz felt pop in hamstring pregame. "It's just one of those tough things for him. ...It's going to be two or three weeks for him at a minimum before we get him back." Joe Looney stepped in and started.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 9, 2020
The Cowboys are on bye this week and do not play another game until they travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings on November 22nd. It is worth mentioning that when they do play a game next that they will have to do so again rather quickly afterwards as they will host the Washington Football Team on Thanksgiving Day just four days later.
For what it’s worth, Gilbert played well enough to keep the starting position in the minds of many, including our own Dave Halprin. Clearly Dallas has made their decision and the reason for it is unclear.
As the team is on bye there is time for Biadasz to hopefully heal and for Dalton to return to a status where he is eligible to play. We’re still a ways out from Vikings week, but we seem to have a few answers in the here and now.