When the clock strikes 3:25 p.m. CT, the Dallas Cowboys will take on the Washington Commanders in their season finale.
Entering this game, both teams are heading in different directions.
The Cowboys are prepping for the postseason and playing for a possible NFC East division title and number-one seed (if they win and the Eagles and 49ers both lose).
The Commanders are playing for pride and prepping for the offseason and an early-Cancun trip.
Besides the possible movement in playoff seeding that the ‘Boys can land, there has been debate on whether the franchise should play their starters or avoid a potentially costly injury ahead of the postseason.
I believe there's no doubt Dallas will play their starters because the Eagles and Niners games will be on at the same time they play.
And before we dive into what two starters they will actually be sitting — let's go over what needs to happen for the Cowboys to move up in playoff seeding.
If the Eagles lose, the Cowboys win the NFC East and grab the No. 2 seed.
If the Eagles and 49ers lose, the Cowboys win the NFC East and grab the No. 1 seed and a bye.
While it would be ideal for the Cowboys to rest their starters before the postseason, it's not possible since they won't know their “end game” until all the games are finished.
Also, the only way the Cowboys could rest their starters without game-watching is if they jump on the Commanders early. But everyone knew that, right?
Anyways. With all of that said, let's dive into the two starters who are actually out.
Cowboys Week 18 Injury Report
LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck)
This will be the third game Leighton Vander Esch will miss since suffering a neck injury a few weeks ago.
Although it could be concerning to have one of your starting linebackers out before the postseason, Vander Esch gave an encouraging update about his health to the media this past week.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) said he is “doing good” but will miss his third game Sunday at Commanders. “It's about the playoffs. …They're just giving me a little bit extra time to get rest.” Defensive leader is fully expected to be on field for first playoff game.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 2, 2023
“The Wolf Hunter” will be okay missing this week.
C Tyler Biadasz (ankle)
Shifting to Tyler Biadasz, this will be his first missed game due to a high-ankle injury incurred last week against the Tennessee Titans.
While it's unfortunate to be without your starting center, the Cowboys' front office hopes to have Biadasz back by the first playoff game.
There is a chance that two more players could join Vander Esch and Biadasz on the sidelines. Those two are G Connor McGovern (illness) and WR KaVontae Turpin (illness).
Commanders Week 18 Injury Report
Although the Commanders don't have anything left to play for this season, there is no doubt they still want to spoil the Cowboys' chances at moving up in seeding or winning the NFC East division title.
To do so, they would need to have all hands on deck.
Well, if you look at their injury report, they are without six players. Add that they are starting a rookie quarterback — Sam Howell — and it will be hard for them to play spoiler.
#Cowboys final injury report vs. Commanders (W18):
🔑 KaVontae Turpin questionable after DNP on Friday with illness
🔑 LVE, Tyler Biadasz only players ruled out (expected)
For #Commanders:
🔑 Jonathan Allen, Brian Robinson, Cornelius Lucas + 3 others ruled out + Gibson IR pic.twitter.com/zXP6a6195r
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) January 6, 2023
Washington will likely be without DT Jonathan Allen, G/T Saahdiq Charles, T Cornelius Lucas, RB Brian Robinson Jr., DE James Smith-Williams, CB Benjamin St-Juste, S Kam Curl, LB Jamin Davis, and G Andrew Norwell.
LB Nathan Gerry was limited in practice on Friday, and RB Antonio Gibson was moved to injured reserve.
