Though it’s still early in the 2018 season, the lead in the NFC East is up for grabs when the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins meet this Sunday. Both teams would like their full roster available for the game, but the Week 7 injury reports indicate that won’t be the case.
Here are the players either confirmed to be out of action tomorrow or are otherwise listed by Dallas and Washington:
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Tavon Austin (groin) – OUT
- LB Joe Thomas (foot) – OUT
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) – Questionable
The Cowboys are getting healthier, with Sean Lee finally off the injury report and set to return to action. Not only will Dallas get their elite linebacker back, but it means a deeper rotation while the team remains without Joe Thomas.
Tavon Austin elected to skip season-ending surgery on his injured groin, but his should be out a few weeks. That will put Cole Beasley on punt returns and perhaps create more offensive opportunities for Deonte Thompson and Brice Butler.
Awuzie remains limited in practice but has played the last few weeks despite the ankle injury. There is no reason to think he won’t suit up in Washington.
Washington Redskins
- WR Jamison Crowder (ankle) – OUT
- WR Paul Richardson (shoulder, knee) – Doubtful
- S Troy Apke (hamstring) – Doubtful
- RB Adrian Peterson (ankle, shoulder) – Questionable
- RB Chris Thompson (rib, knee) – Questionable
- G Shawn Lauvao (calf) – Questionable
- CB Quinton Dunbar (shin) – Questionable
- CB Danny Johnson (forearm) – Questionable
It’s a rough time for Washington’s offensive weapons. They will definitely be without slot receiver Jamison Crowder and likely starter Paul Richardson, who current lead all WRs in receptions. Josh Doctson will put into a major role, as will veteran Brian Quick off the bench.
Peterson and Thompson both practiced this week and should play, but have nagging injuries that could slow them down. Washington is already missing Rob Kelley and rookie Derrius Guice, who are both on injured reserve.
Starting left guard Shawn Lauvao is also nursing a lower leg injury, but practiced in a limited capacity all week. His backup is undrafted rookie Casey Dunn out of Auburn.
In the defensive backfield, starting CB Quinton Dunbar was a Friday addition to the injury report with a shin injury. He did practice with it, though, so will likely play. Backup safety Troy Apke is doubtful with a hamstring issue.
