The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints both got full weeks of rest and practice, having played Thursday games last week. However, as the Week 13 injury report shows, both still have players who won’t be able to suit up for tonight’s big showdown between NFC division leaders.
Who’s in and who’s out, and who’s still not sure, for Dallas and New Orleans? Let’s see what the teams reported following yesterday’s final practices.
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Tavon Austin (groin) – OUT
- TE Geoff Swaim (wrist) – OUT
- DL David Irving (ankle) – OUT
- LB Sean Lee (hamstring) – OUT
- OT Tyron Smith (neck) – Questionable
- G Zack Martin (knee) – Questionable
- G Xavier Su’a-Filo (ankle) – Questionable
- DT Maliek Collins (knee) – Questionable
Before we get to the guys who we’ll be missing, it’s worth noting that Taco Charlton is set to return after a three-game absence. The second-year defensive end started six of the eight games he played in prior to his shoulder injury. It will be nice to have another pass rusher in the rotation as the Cowboys look to attack Drew Brees.
We’ve almost gotten used to life without David Irving at this point, and that will continue tonight. Irving’s high ankle sprain has kept him out since late October, but there is talk that he could return as soon as next week. Also expected to return against the Eagles will be LB Sean Lee, whose role with the team will be interesting to see now that Leighton Vander Esch is so well established.
On the offense line, Tyron Smith is a game-time decision tonight. He dressed last week but didn’t play, with Cam Fleming have a solid game at left tackle. Thankfully, other starts like Zack Martin and Xavier Su’a-Filo are expected to go. Connor Williams is back if needed.
Dallas also remains without starting TE Geoff Swaim, but the position overall hasn’t been crucial to the passing game since Jason Witten left. Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz combined for three catches for 24 yards last week.
New Orleans Saints
- OT Terron Armstead (pectoral) – OUT
The only player listed on New Orleans’ report this week is starting left tackle Terron Armstead, who has been out for a few weeks now. Veteran Jermon Bushrod has been starting in his place, and it obviously hasn’t slowed down the Saints’ offense thus far.
The Saints have done well overall with injuries this year, with their only problem area being at receiver. Ted Ginn and Cameron Meredith landed there, and of course we know what happened with Dez Bryant. It’s not confirmed yet if veteran Brandon Marshall will make his debut with the team tonight.
But again, those injuries clearly haven’t hurt Drew Brees’ ability to light up opposing defenses.
