The Dallas Cowboys can clinch the NFC East with a win this week, while the Indianapolis Colts are fighting to stay alive in the AFC wild card race. Only one team can accomplish their goal, and both have some big names on the Week 15 injury report.
We’ll begin with the visiting Cowboys, who could be getting at least one star player back while another is already confirmed to miss the game.
Dallas Cowboys
- TE Geoff Swaim (wrist) – OUT
- G Zack Martin (knee) – OUT
- DL David Irving (ankle) – OUT
- WR Tavon Austin (groin) – Questionable
- WR Lance Lenoir (illness) – Questionable
- OT Tyron Smith (neck) – Questionable
- DE Randy Gregory (personal) – Questionable
- LB Sean Lee (hamstring) – Questionable
Yes, sadly, Zack Martin will be out tomorrow. The good news is that Connor Williams got the entire week to practice with the starters at right guard. You can read much more about this situation and it’s impact on the game here, courtesy of our own Sean Martin.
Also ruled out, as they have been for a while now, are TE Geoff Swaim and DL David Irving. Swaim is still recovering from wrist surgery but has not been placed on injured reserve, so the team must feel he could be back for the playoffs. Irving could return as soon as next week.
Speaking of returns, Sean Lee may be back on the field this Sunday. It’s unknown yet how he’ll rotate with Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, but Dallas has the luxury of working him in slowly thanks to the play of their young duo.
Tavon Austin could also return this week, creating another new offensive wrinkle. Austin has been injured since the Jacksonville game and has yet to play since the Cowboys acquired Amari Cooper. Not only could Tavon do some interesting things in the offense, but he should bring some additional sizzle to special teams.
While appearing on the injury report, Randy Gregory missed practice this week for “family reasons” according to Jason Garrett. He could still play tomorrow.
Indianapolis Colts
- G Mark Glowinski (ankle) – OUT
- LB Skai Moore (neck) – OUT
- S Mike Mitchell (calf) – OUT
- WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle) – Questionable
- TE Ryan Hewitt (ribs) – Questionable
- S Clayton Geathers (knee) – Questionable
The big name here is Hilton, the star receiver who missed all practice this week with an ankle injury. Indianapolis has not ruled him out, wanting to give Andrew Luck’s favorite target every opportunity to play. But it’s not looking good, and a bad ankle could limit Hilton’s effectiveness even if he goes.
Also hurt among the passing options is starting TE Ryan Hewitt, but he did practice full on Friday and should go. Not playing, however, is starting right guard Mark Glowinski. That means third-year player Evan Boehm should start, who just joined the team in October.
Indy’s hurting at safety this week. Not only did starter Clayton Geathers miss the whole week of practice, but veteran backup Mike Mitchell is already ruled out. The Colts would have to rely on undrafted rookie George Odum if neither plays.
Fun fact before we go; former Cowboy Jihad Ward was picked up by the Colts after Dallas included him in their roster cuts to start the season. However, he landed on injured reserve back in October so won’t get a chance at revenge.
