Everyone’s banged up by mid-November in the NFL but some injuries are more impactful than others. While Matthew Stafford’s absence dominates the headlines for both teams this week, Dallas and Detroit have other health issues which could impact their game tomorrow. Here are the final injury reports for the Cowboys and Lions in Week 11.
Dallas Cowboys
- G Connor Williams (knee) – OUT
- OT La’el Collins (knee/back) – Questionable
- S Jeff Heath (shoulders) – Questionable
Dallas will be without starting Left Guard Connor Williams for a few weeks following a minor knee procedure. As he did for eight games last season, backup Xavier Su’a-Filo will start and brings a different skill set to the offensive line. Dallas’ could experience a boost in the run game with Xavier’s presence, but may also see some increased problems in pass protection.
Also hurting on the offensive line is La’el Collins with listed knee and back issues. He did get in some limited practice work on Friday so is likely able to play. It’s also worth noting that Detroit has a corresponding injury at left DE with Romeo Okwara on their report.
Jeff Heath is listed as questionable but we already know that Darian Thompson has taken the first-team reps this week and is going to be starting. Heath’s demotion is being discussed as a health issue but there may be more to it given his performance issues earlier in the year.
Detroit Lions
- QB Matthew Stafford (hip/back) – OUT
- OT Rick Wagner (concussion) – OUT
- DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle) – OUT
- RB Ty Johnson (concussion) – Questionable
- DE Romeo Okwara (groin) – Questionable
- DT Damon Harrison (groin) – Questionable
- DB Tracy Walker (knee) – Questionable
- P Sam Martin (abdomen) – Questionable
The big news here is obviously Stafford being out. Given the potential impact of his absence, we discussed it in far more detail yesterday when it was officially announced.
Another offensive starter will be missing tomorrow with Right Tackle Rick Wagner. He has been Detroit’s RT for three seasons now and this will be his first missed game of 2019. Second-year backup Tyrell Crosby will get the start and the tough assignment of going against DeMarcus Lawrence.
Detroit already lost their starting RB, Kerryon Johnson, back in October with a season-ending injury. Now backup Ty Johnson is still not fully cleared and will be a game-time decision due to a concussion.
Several defensive starters are also battling injuries. Defensive Linemen Damon “Snacks” Harrison and Romeo Okwara both have nagging groin issues and are listed as “questionable” on this week’s report. Free Safety Tracy Walker is also listed with a knee issue.
It’s always interesting when a kicker or punter is on the injury report due to the typical lack of any backups on the roster. Sam Martin also handled kickoffs for Detroit on top of his punting duties. He should play based on recent reports, but a bad hit could put the Lions in a tough spot when it comes to the field-position battle.
