As we get ready for Sunday’s Week 5 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, here’s a quick look at the injury situations for both teams.
The following is based on the teams’ Thursday practices:
DNP – Did Not Practice
LP – Limited Participant
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys- QB Tony Romo (back) – DNP
- RB Lance Dunbar (knee) – DNP
- WR Dez Bryant (knee) – DNP
- OT Tyron Smith (back) – LP
- OT Chaz Green (foot) – DNP
- DT David Irving (concussion) – DNP
- CB Orlando Scandrick (hamstrings) – DNP
- K Dan Bailey (back) – DNP
Tony Romo’s still out and Dez Bryant will likely miss his second game. Jason Garrett has been cryptic about Dez’s status but he would need to have made a rapid recovery from his knee strain to play this weekend, especially after missing two practices.
Lance Dunbar is no stranger to the injury report and may miss the game with his own knee issue. This would open the door for Darius Jackson, a sixth-round pick, to be active for the first time in his rookie year.
Tyron Smith has been limited in practice but appears ready to return on Sunday. This comes at the right time as Chaz Green, who’s been playing in his absence, is now dealing with a foot injury. Emmett Cleary, signed just a week ago, would be the backup if Green can’t go.
David Irving has not practiced since suffering a concussion against the 49ers. He would have to be able to practice fully today to pass the protocol and be eligible for Sunday’s game.
Orlando Scandrick remains sidelines with injuries to both hamstrings. He is unlikely to play on Sunday, leaving rookie Anthony Brown as the slot corner. Thankfully, Brown has played very well so far.
Lastly, Dallas could be without Dan Bailey for the first time since 2010. The most accurate kicker in NFL history hurt his back in San Francisco and is still questionable for Sunday. Dallas may work out veterans Kai Forbath and Robbie Gould today, along with 21-year-old Aldrick Rosas, in case Bailey can’t go.
If Bailey plays and but has a setback, safety Jeff Heath would be the backup kicker. He has not kicked in a real game since high school.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals- RB Jeremy Hill (chest) – LP
- RB Rex Burkhead (hamstring) – LP
- WR James Wright (hamstring) – DNP
- TE Tyler Eifert (back/ankle) – DNP
- OT Jake Fisher (back) – DNP
- OT Cedric Ogbuehi (illness) DNP
- G Clint Boling (shoulder) – LP
- S Shawn Williams (thigh) – LP
The big news for Cincinnati is the continued absence of tight end Tyler Eifert. He scored 13 touchdowns last season but has yet to play in 2016 due to a severe ankle injury from the Pro Bowl. This week he injured his back, making Sunday unlikely for the young star to return.
Starting RB Jeremy Hill has been limited with a chest injury. He splits time with Giovanni Bernard, so Cincy will just give Bernard more looks if Hill is limited or can’t go. The power runner in their backfield, Hill would be most missed in short yardage and goal line situations.
Starting right tackle Cedric Ogbuehi has been out with an illness but should be fine for Sunday. If for some reason he can’t go, veteran Eric Winston could get the start. Starting guard Clint Boling has a shoulder issue but should also be available for the game.
The only defensive injury is starting strong safety Shawn Williams. The fourth-year pro has a thigh injury but has only been limited in practice. It appears the Bengals will have their full defensive roster playing on Sunday, which includes the return of linebacker Vontaze Burfict from suspension.
