The Cowboys came out of last night’s preseason game against the Oakland Raiders with the victory and several positive performances. However, perhaps the most meaningful event was entirely negative. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens went down with a knee injury and had to be helped off the field, and there is serious concern that it will end his season.
#Cowboys fear starting LB Anthony Hitchens suffered a season-ending knee injury, sources say. MRI coming. A potential big loss on D.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2017
There is little doubt that Hitchens would start some games for the Cowboys this year, perhaps even Week One. He is the team’s starting middle linebacker right now as Jaylon Smith still works his way back from his own major knee injury. Once Smith is ready to go, Hitchens may move over to the SAM position and remain a starter in the base defense. If nothing else, he would be a key reserve potentially at all three LB spots.
This is especially tough for Anthony as he’s in a contract year. Hitchens will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018 and this could be a huge blow to his leverage in the open market.
Nothing is confirmed yet and MRI results are still to come. It’s entirely possible that this was just a sprain or strain injury that might keep Hitchens out for just a few weeks. Losing him at all this year would be bad, but especially in the early weeks with Jaylon Smith still finding his feet.
Obviously, we all hope the best for Anthony Hitchens and to see him back on the field for the Cowboys this season. His status should be made clear within the next 48 hours.
