The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that both they and the Cleveland Browns will be 2-2 following their Week 4 meeting tomorrow. Thankfully, as this week's injury reports show, Dallas should be getting back one of their top players as they try to get back to even in the win-loss column.
The Browns have their own injury issues. They will be missing a starting cornerback and are banged up on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Let's dig into the final reports and see what to expect on Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys
- OT Tyron Smith (neck) – Questionable
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) – Questionable
- CB Trevon Diggs (shoulder/knee) – Questionable
After missing the last two games with neck stingers, Offensive Tackle Tyron Smith is expected to return. That should push Brandon Knight over to right tackle in place of still-injured La'el Collins, who has missed every game so far while on injured reserve.
Collins was technically eligible to return this week after spending three weeks on IR, but Stephen Jones confirmed earlier this week that La'el would need more time. Based on some reports, there is rising concern that Collins may not return at all in 2020.
That makes Tyron Smith's all the more vital and hopefully permanent. The perennial Pro Bowler has never missed more than three games in a season, but these two early absences could put that stat in jeopardy.
Dallas should also have two key defensive starters on Sunday in DE DeMarcus Lawrence and CB Trevon Diggs. Tank was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday after missing the rest of the week.
His knee issue has had a clear on-field impact on his own production, but Lawrence's presence has still helped Aldon Smith become the NFL's current sack leader. That said, we could see a higher snap count for Everson Griffen while Dallas manages Tank's reps with this lingering injury.
Trevon Diggs played last week with a shoulder issue and has since picked up a knee injury to go with it. However, the rookie stud didn't miss practice this week and should be to help cover Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry.
Cleveland Browns
- DE Adrian Clayborn (hip) – OUT
- LB Tae Davis (elbow) – OUT
- CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) – OUT
- RB Kareem Hunt (groin) – Questionable
- G Joel Bitonio (back) – Questionable
- C Nick Harris (illness) – Questionable
- DE Olivier Vernon (abdomen) – Questionable
- LB Jacob Phillips (knee) – Questionable
- CB Denzel Ward (groin) – Questionable
The key injuries for Cleveland this week could help the Cowboys' passing game to stay hot. They will be without starting CB Greedy Williams and also have starter Denzel Ward nursing a groin injury. Former Cowboy Terrance Mitchell, a 7th-round pick in 2014. should be in line for increased playing time against his former team.
The Browns may also have a harder time getting pressure on Dak Prescott. While starter Olivier Vernon should return from a two-game absence, renowned Cowboy killer Adrian Clayborn is out with a hip injury. Couple this with Tyron Smith's return and it puts a lot of pressure on Myles Garrett to be an impact player tomorrow.
Cleveland may also be without offensive weapon Kareem Hunt, who missed most of practice this week with a groin injury but did return yesterday in a limited capacity. Hunt has been productive this year as the change-up back behind Nick Chubb and could create problems for the Cowboys struggling linebackers and safeties.
On the offensive line, Guard Joel Bitonio is the only starter to go into the game with an injury designation. He should play but was limited all week with a back injury. Starter Center J.C. Tretter and Right Tackle Jack Conklin also appeared on the injury report but have no designation for Sunday.
