As the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a Week 9 showdown, they both have some injured players whose absence could impact the game. Here’s a quick look at each team’s health issues headed into tomorrow’s meeting.
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Noah Brown (thigh) – Questionable
- DT Maliek Collins (foot) – Probable
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) – OUT
- K Dan Bailey (groin) – OUT
Not appearing here, thankfully, is WR Cole Beasley who cleared the concussion protocol and returned to practice earlier in the week. Beasley got his bell rung last week in Washington but shouldn’t have any limitations this Sunday. Sorry, Ryan Switzer fans.
Rookie Noah Brown was limited all week with an upper leg issue. Brown is always on the edge of the inactive list anyway, so the team may opt to give him a week off if he has a lingering problem.
Maliek Collins likely will play despite missing Friday’s practice. He had the same practice schedule last week and played, so the team probably just gave him a rest day.
Definitely out, as he’s been most of the year, is rookie corner Chidobe Awuzie. He continues to miss practice with a hamstring injury. If Dallas has to clear roster space at some point, you have to wonder if they won’t put Awuzie on Injured Reserve.
Lastly, Dan Bailey will miss the second of his expected 4-5 games. Mike Nugent’s 4-of-5 performance in Washington helped to alleviate some of the concern, but we all want Bailey back as soon as possible.
Kansas City Chiefs
- WR Albert Wilson (hamstring) – OUT
- TE Demetrius Harris (shoulder) – Probable
- LB Dee Ford (back) – OUT
- LB Justin Houston (knee) – Probable
Since we don’t talk about the Chiefs too often, it’s good to remind you of a few of their big names who are on the IR and PUP lists. Star safety Eric Berry suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the first game of the season. Starting receiver Chris Conley was also lost to an Achilles rupture in Week 5. Pass rusher Tamba Hali has yet to play this year, remaining on the PUP list so far due to his knee.
Pass rushing is becoming a growing concern for Kansas City. Starting OLB Dee Ford will be out after missing the full week of practice. While he should play, star Justin Houstons is dealing with a knee issue and was limited this week. The Cowboys have allowed the 2nd-fewest sacks of any team this year with just nine, so these issues for the Chiefs will only help Dak Prescott’s comfort level.
On offense, the Chiefs are mostly at full strength but will miss slot receiver Albert Wilson from the rotation. Backup tight end Demetrius Harris, a 6’7″ redzone threat who often starts in place of a fullback, was limited in practice but should player despite a shoulder issue.
I hadn’t realized the Cowboys were 2nd in sacks allowed with 9. Much better than expected with new players in 2 of the 5 OL positions. Dak is hard to bring to the ground, so that’s part of it.
Awuzie would presumably finally heal up for the stretch run. He’s behind in prep but has very good cover skills, and nobody has a book on him. I hope he can still play this year on long downs. He might back into a big play, and he can use all the reps possible before 2018.
Hopefully he’s not going to turn out brittle like Claiborne.