We are starting to get into the part of the NFL season where injuries become more of a factor each and every week. The Dallas Cowboys of course are no exception. In fact, they have several key players (Jeff Heath, Amari Cooper, Leighton Vander Esch) dealing with nagging injuries right now.
The Dallas Cowboys are entering arguably the toughest part of their schedule this season and need their team as healthy as possible to be at their best. Heading into this Week 10 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings it was looking as if the Cowboys would be minus a few starters. Luckily, that may no longer be the case.
Based on recent injury updates, it’s looking as if the Dallas Cowboys will be at full strength when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in prime time on Sunday night.
Jeff Heath exited last week’s game against the New York Giants early after sustaining a shoulder injury and a knee laceration that ended up requiring 12 stitches. Despite those injuries though it looks like he will still try to play against the Vikings. With Darian Thompson and Donovan Wilson waiting in the wings though the Cowboys could be cautious with their starting strong safety if there are any lingering concerns.
Jeff Heath isn’t the only starter on the defensive side of the ball who should return to action against the Vikings. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t recover enough during the bye week to play last week against the New York Giants. But, it’s looking as if he should be good to go this week against Minnesota.
No offense to Sean Lee, but the Dallas Cowboys are better with Leighton Vander Esch on the field. Having him back in the lineup could be huge, especially as it pertains to neutralizing the Vikings talented RB Dalvin Cook as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
I wouldn’t be surprised however if the Dallas Cowboys were a little bit cautious with No. 55. I think we may see both him and Sean Lee rotating a bit on defense if Vander Esch isn’t 100%. There’s still a lot of football to go this season and there’s no reason to subject him to reinjuring his neck.
The biggest injury concerns though may have occurred a few days ago when news broke that Wide Receiver Amari Cooper was having an MRI on his knee. Luckily though it sounds like he will be good to go as well.
“Workable” probably isn’t the most reassuring word to use, but it does sound like Cooper will play Sunday night. He may be someone else the Cowboys coaching staff may keep a close eye on and take a cautious approach with. It’s been one injury after another for No. 19 this season, but he’s one tough cookie and has been able to play through it.
Having all three of these players back in the lineup should put the Dallas Cowboys at full strength against the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully it’s just the edge they need.
