With just four days between their Week 12 and Week 13 games, the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills are both still sore headed into this Thanksgiving matchup. Health is relative in a week like this, but the final injury reports are still worth looking at.
This is especially true for Dallas, who have ruled out two defensive starters for today’s game. After days of speculation that a loss could mean the end for Jason Garrett, will these missing players be a factor that leads to his firing?
Dallas Cowboys
- DT Antwaun Woods (knee) – OUT
- LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) – OUT
- S Jeff Heath (shoulders) – Questionable
Vander Esch missed last week’s game and was never expected to play on this short week. After the team stated publicly that they didn’t think his injury was “career-threatening,” it was clear that this is no small issue. We may not see Leighton again until at least Week 15 against the Rams, which would give him the long rest following the Bears game to hopefully recover.
Also missing today is starting DT Antwaun Woods, which is especially concerning given the opponent. Buffalo is 5th in the NFL in rushing offense; Frank Gore and Devin Singletary have formed a productive RB tandem while QB Josh Allen can also hurt you with his feet. The combined effect of missing your best run-stuffing tackle and your middle linebacker could make for a rough afternoon.
Jeff Heath is expected to play with his ongoing shoulder issues but the short week makes everything suspect. Even if he starts, Heath may be have a quick exit depending on how the game unfolds.
Buffalo Bills
- OT Ty Nsekhe (ankle) – OUT
- WR Robert Foster (hamstring) – Questionable
- C Mitch Morse (hand) – Questionable
Buffalo has had a good year for injuries and that continues today. The Bills’ only confirmed out is a backup player in Nsekhe, who serves as the swing tackle.
Also listed is starting center Mitch Morse. His hand injury is not expected to keep him out today but, as we said with Jeff Heath, the short week could make it harder to stay in the game.
Also on the report is backup receiver Robert Foster, but Buffalo is unlikely to miss his two catches so far 2019. He has only been active for about half their games this year as is.
