Cowboys’ projected defensive starter carted off the practice field

The first major injury in training camp is never too far away for NFL teams. That day happened to be today for the Dallas Cowboys. Multiple reports out of today’s training camp practice in Oxnard, California say that DE Sam Williams has been carted off of the practice field with an apparent knee injury.

As reported by NFL Insider Jane Slater, Williams was engaged in a block when his left knee buckled, and he fell to the ground.

Sources at practice who witnessed the injury live reported that it was “not good.” We would never want to speculate about a long-term injury, so let’s assume for now that the cart was just a precaution.

Should the injury be long-term, it would devastate a defense who had already lost two significant players at that same position during free agency (Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr.).

Williams is projected to be the starter at the right defensive end position opposite DeMarcus “Tank” Lawrence.

What Does This Mean for Sam Williams?

In short, it’s devastating news should the injury be anything more than a knee sprain or another injury of that same magnitude. A long-term injury would throw a wrench into Sam Williams’ development.

Williams is known for his aggressive nature that often gets him and the defense in trouble. Offside penalties and late hits on the quarterback have been all too common for him in his first two seasons.

The hope is that the heavier disciplinary hand of new DC Mike Zimmer would channel that aggressiveness into positive plays. That hope is out the window if Williams is not able to get back on the field this season.

The Ole Miss product was looking forward to more opportunity on defense with the aforementioned Armstrong and Fowler Jr. out of the picture, following Dan Quinn to Washington.

What Does This Mean for the Cowboys Defense?

Of course, the first concern is for the well-being of Sam Williams, but the next-man-up mentality has to be in effect here.

Williams was the projected starter, expected to blossom under a new defensive scheme and add to his 8.5 career sacks. Instead, the Cowboys must now look to the depth chart behind him in search of a positive impact player.

The first name that comes to mind is 2nd-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland.

Kneeland has been flashing his potential at camp, and surprisingly, has been seen lined up at 3-technique defensive tackle in certain packages.

It reminds me of the way that veteran teammate DeMarcus Lawrence has been moved up and down the defensive line.

Other players who could contribute include second-year player Viliami “Junior” Fehoko and veteran utility player Chauncey Golston.

Let’s hope for the best for Sam Williams. This post will be updated as soon as the extent of the injury has been confirmed.

** A few hours after the original publishing of this article, the Dallas Cowboys announced that Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL and MCL, effectively ending his season before it began. **