Dallas Cowboys

While the linebacker has drawn flak in recent weeks for an apparent lack of hustle on some big plays by the opposition, there's been no doubting his IDP value. Smith has recorded double-digit tackles in three straight games and five of seven overall this season, and even the return of Leighton Vander Esch to full duty this week didn't cut into Smith's production. With the Cowboys down multiple starters along the offensive line and potentially forced to use third-string quarterback Ben DiNucci in Week 8 against the Eagles, there's no reason to think the beleaguered Dallas defense will be less busy any time soon, providing Smith with plenty of opportunities for more tackles.

Jarwin's move to IR was a foregone conclusion after he was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee following the Cowboys' Week 1 loss to the Rams. The tight end will undergo season-ending surgery and turn his focus to returning to full health in advance of the 2021 campaign. Dalton Schultz is expected to step in as the Cowboys' top pass-catching tight end, while Blake Bell should also pick up more snaps but will likely serve as more of a blocker.

Knight underwent knee surgery Tuesday and will be required to miss at least three games due to his placement on IR. With Tyron Smith (neck) also on IR, the Cowboys activated Cameron Erving (knee) from IR to start at left tackle against a menacing Washington pass rush. Knight is eligible to return Week 11 against the Vikings.

Elliott struggled to the tune of 3.8 yards per carry against a ferocious defensive front, and although he technically avoided turning the ball over, he mishandled an inaccurate pass from Andy Dalton (head) that resulted in an interception in the red zone. To make matters worse, Dalton left the game after taking a cheap shot to the head on a slide and rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci struggled mightily as his replacement. Elliott's fantasy value has taken a large downturn over the last couple of weeks as a result of the tribulation his team has experienced at the quarterback position, and he could be in for another tough outing next Sunday night against the Eagles if the play under center if similarly poor.

Olonilua spent the offseason with Dallas after having gone undrafted in April. The rookie fullback out of TCU could be a candidate for activation if he can quickly impress on the practice squad, as the Cowboys don't currently have a fullback on the active roster.

DiNucci entered the game after Andy Dalton (concussion) took a shot to the head in the second half and struggled against a ferocious defensive front. He managed a 32-yard completion to Amari Cooper and another short gain, but he also took three sacks and was fortunate to not fumble the ball away on two occasions. The rookie hardly seems ready to lead an NFL offense at this point, so it's likely the team looks outside the organization for a starter if Dalton is unable to play next Sunday night against the Eagles.

Smith will undergo neck surgery next week and has been ruled out for the rest of the 2020 season. La'el Collins (hip) has also been ruled out for the season, so Brandon Knight is expected to start at left tackle moving forward while Terence Steele handles the right tackle position.

It's unclear what exactly Robinson is dealing with. He'll look to make a quick recovery and return to the Cowboys' scout team.

Williams is competing with Connor McGovern for the starting position at left guard after missing the last quarter of the season due to a torn ACL.

Armstrong posted one of the best performances of his 2019 campaign in his return from a neck injury that kept him sidelined in Week 7 prior to the Cowboys' bye. The addition of fellow defensive end Michael Bennett could limit Armstrong's opportunities moving forward, however.

The undrafted rookie out of Texas Tech will slot into the starting lineup in place of La'el Collins (hip). If Steele is able to perform at a competent level, he could secure the starting gig for at least three weeks until Collins comes off injured reserve.

Woods missed six contests in 2019 due to hip and ankle injuries, but he'll have had the benefit of a full offseason to get healthy heading into training camp. The 27-year-old provides depth to Dallas' interior defensive line, although his role is uncertain after the team added Neville Gallimore in this year's draft.

Erving suffered an MCL sprain in the season opener, but he'll return at a crucial time for the Cowboys. The Cowboys can claim the lead in the NFC East with a win over Washington on Sunday, but Tyron Smith (neck) and Brandon Knight (knee) are both on IR, leaving a vacancy at left tackle. Erving will immediately slot in at the position and protect Andy Dalton's blindside against a Washington pass rush that has piled up 16 sacks through six games.

Gallimore is the second Oklahoma Sooner taken by the Cowboys in this draft, joining teammate CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. A defensive tackle, Gallimore displayed impressive athleticism by running a 4.79-second 40-yard dash at 301 pounds. He's a fluid player who can get up the field in a hurry from the defensive interior. In Dallas, Gallimore should also significantly benefit from the tutelage of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe.

Between an early exit for Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) and a Sean McVay game plan that called for a lot of runs and quick passes to neutralize the Cowboys' pass rush, both the team's safeties were very busy -- Xavier Woods also racked up nine tackles. Thompson could remain an IDP asset at least until Vander Esch returns to action, especially if other teams copy what the Rams did offensively in Week 1.

With the Dallas offense only generating three points on the afternoon, the defense was rarely off the field, giving Vander Esch a chance to post strong IDP numbers. Having fully recovered from the broken collarbone he suffered in Week 1, LVE should resume his role at the heart of a Cowboys defense that has been one of the worst units in the league so far this season.

Johnson spent the entire 2019 season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury after a solid rookie training camp, but he was unable to secure a spot on the final roster this season. He's one of two wide receivers -- Aaron Parker being the other -- on Dallas' practice squad to begin the year.

Hamilton was picked up by the Cowboys last week, but his time with the team will be short lived. He was let go to make room for the recently acquired Michael Bennett. The 26-year-old will now have to look for a new opportunity.

The depth wideout has done well in his limited opportunities, but he's still only seen 10 targets through six weeks. Cedrick Wilson appeared to injure his ribs in the third quarter, which could afford Brown a few more snaps if Wilson is unable to play next week. It'll still take a couple of injuries to the top of the Cowboys' depth chart for Brown to really become a fantasy factor.

The third-year receiver's production bottomed out on a day in which the Cowboys were forced to use rookie seventh-round pick Ben DiNucci after Andy Dalton (concussion) left the game, with neither QB getting time in the pocket behind a patchwork offensive line. The outlook for the entire Dallas offense is bleak heading into Week 8's road clash with the Eagles, but if DiNucci does make his first NFL start, Gallup will at least be starting from the same place as Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb in terms of chemistry with the young signal-caller.

The banged-up Cowboys secondary has performed pitifully this season, allowing the fourth-most passing touchdowns per game (2.3) and the fourth-most completions of 40-plus yards (five). Awuzie's pending return has a chance to sure up Dallas' back end, as he has held opponents to a sub-60 percent completion rate each of the past two seasons. Though Awuzie surrendered two passing TDs over his first two appearances of 2020 during Weeks 1 and 2, he did at least record an interception and two pass deflections.

Senat spent six weeks with the Chiefs last season before being placed on injured reserve, and he couldn't secure a spot on the final roster this year.

The Cowboys' running game had little success working behind a patchwork offensive line, especially after Andy Dalton (concussion) left the game and was replaced by rookie Ben DiNucci, and Pollard wasn't able to do much with his reps. The second-year back has seen at least eight touches in each of the last three games, but the outlook for the Dallas offense as a whole is bleak heading into Week 8's road clash with the Eagles.

Lamb couldn't bring in any passes from Andy Dalton (concussion) and hardly stood a chance on any of the looks rookie third-string quarterback Ben DiNucci sent his way after entering the game. He had at least receptions and seven targets in every game entering this contest, so the goose egg was a large departure from what fantasy managers had come to expect. Lamb's struggles could continue in next Sunday night's game against the Eagles if the team can't field a competent starter at quarterback, though it seems likely a veteran could be brought in from outside the organization if Dalton is forced to sit out.

The Cardinals placed Sweet on injured reserve early in 2019 before waiving him this offseason. The 23-year-old is still awaiting his NFL regular-season debut.

Bell actually outproduced starting tight end Dalton Schultz (one catch for six yards on three targets), but don't expect that to result in a more even distribution of the work at the position in future weeks. Schultz had recorded 17 receptions for 208 yards across the previous three weeks, and he still played 58 of the 68 offensive snaps (88 percent) on Sunday. Bell, meanwhile, played just 18 snaps (27 percent).

A pectoral injury sustained during training camp last year relegated McGovern to injured reserve for his entire rookie campaign, but he'll be ready to go for Week 1. His biggest obstacle to overcome while battling for the No. 1 left guard gig will be an offseason with shortened in-person activities. On the other hand, Williams is recovering from a torn ACL suffered late November, which could open up a window for McGovern to usurp him with an impressive training camp.

March has been in important fixture on the Cowboys' special teams unit, suiting up in 274 special teams snaps in 2019. The 26-year-old only logged 42 snaps on defense, however, and that number likely won't increase in 2020 unless a number of injuries pile up in the Cowboys linebacking corps.

Gifford dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this week but was cleared on Friday's injury report, so his absence comes down to a coach's decision. As a depth linebacker, Gifford's lack of availability shouldn't have a noticeable impact on Dallas' defense.

This news backs up coach Mike McCarthy's assertion that the pass rusher would be out there come Sunday. Smith has a great opportunity to build on his season total of four sacks against a Washington team that has allowed 11 sacks in its last two games.

Diggs battled a shoulder injury throughout the practice week but still played all 75 defensive snaps and finished second on the team in tackles. He now has 26 tackels, a sack, two pass breakups and a forced fumble through four games. The rookie second-rounder has shown some intriguing flashes so far, but he's allowed an overall 113.2 passer rating when targeted.

Between an early exit for Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) and a Sean McVay game plan that called for a lot of runs and quick passes to neutralize the Cowboys' pass rush, both the team's safeties were very busy -- Darian Thompson did Woods one better with 10 tackles. Woods could remain an IDP asset at least until Vander Esch returns to action, especially if other teams copy what the Rams did offensively in Week 1.

Hill suffered a torn ACL during the Week 5 win over the Giants, so it was only a matter of time until this move was made. The 2019 second-round pick started the first five contests this year and recorded 12 tackles. Moving forward, rookie Neville Gallimore is expected to bump into a starting role while Antwaun Woods enjoys increased usage.

The Dallas offense could get absolutely nothing going behind an injury-ravaged offensive line, especially after rookie seventh-round pick Ben DiNucci was forced into action for Andy Dalton (concussion). The outlook for the entire unit is bleak heading into Week 8's road clash with the Eagles, and Zuerlein -- who hasn't kicked multiple field goals since Week 3 -- seems likely to get limited opportunities once again.

Gregory was reinstated to the NFL in early September, and he's been practicing with the team for two weeks now. The 27-year-old defensive end could make his first NFL appearance since 2018 against Washington on Sunday. The Nebraska product piled up six sacks over 14 games in 2018, and he could provide a pass-rushing boost since the Cowboys have recorded just 11 sacks through six contests.

Collins began the season on injured reserve and was expected to have a chance to return in early October, but his condition has worsened without surgery, so the offensive tackle will be shut down. Terence Steele has been starting at right tackle in his place, but with Tyron Smith (neck) likely returning soon, Brandon Knight could take Steele's job moving forward.

It was Lawrence's best IDP showing of 2020, as he picked up his second sack of the year along with a season-high in tackles. With Randy Gregory now reinstated, the Cowboys have plenty of talent off the edge with Lawrence, Gregory, Everson Griffen and Aldon Smith all potential pass-rush threats, which could allow D-Law to avoid the consistent double teams he's had to deal with the last few seasons.

Sunday marked the second straight week Smith has been called up from the practice squad, as starting left tackle Tyron Smith (neck) is officially listed as questionable to play Sunday. Smith will add some depth on the offensive line should he suit up in Week 3 against Seattle.

After playing every snap in three straight games, Thomas logged just 46 of 68 defensive snaps (68 percent) in Sunday's win. It's an interesting development, but no Cowboys linebacker received a major boost in snap share as a result, so this could've just been the byproduct of the game evolving into a shootout. Thomas should be back to his every-down workload in Week 6 versus the Cardinals, and he'll look to add to the 38 stops he's compiled through five games.

Redmond suffered a back injury in the latter stages of the 2019 season that forced him to end the campaign on injured reserve. Now healthy, the Harvard product will look to earn a depth role for the Cowboys in 2020.

Prescott's spot on the 53-man roster will be taken up by Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone). The star quarterback is set to remain on IR to conclude the 2020 season due to the compound fracture and dislocation in his right ankle, but the Cowboys are hopeful he'll be ready to participate in offseason workouts as early as late April. Team owner Jerry Jones has suggested that he envisions Dallas retaining Prescott, though it remains to be seen whether a long-term deal will be negotiated. The Cowboys also will have the ability to assign the franchise tag on Prescott for a second consecutive year, but such a move would raise his salary to $37.7 million.

He replaced Darian Thompson in the base defense midway through the game, and Wilson took full advantage of the opportunity, leading the Cowboys in tackles on the afternoon. The second-year safety may be on the verge of taking the starting assignment from Thompson on a more permanent basis, and given the state of the Dallas run defense, Wilson could find himself providing consistently solid IDP numbers.

Wilson's production has been steadily trending downwards since his 107-yard, two-touchdown effort against the Seahawks in Week 3. He had averaged 22 receiving yards Weeks 4 through 6, and Sunday against Washington he was held without a catch for the third time this season. Dallas' offense has been struggling mightily since Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury Oct. 11 against the Giants, and things went from bad to worse when Andy Dalton entered concussion protocol during the Week 7 loss. Philadelphia offers a promising Week 8 matchup if Dallas can steady its quarterback situation, as the Eagles have surrendered a 68.4 percent catch rate and seven receiving TDs to opposing wideouts.

Dalton will need to fully clear the league's five-step concussion protocol before being eligible to retake the field, and missing his first practice of the week may not be a good sign for his Week 8 availability. Ben DiNucci appears to be in line to start Sunday night's divisional contest against the Eagles if Dalton can't go, though Garrett Gilbert could also be in the mix.

Jones also admitted that the team would check out the tight end market to find a potential replacement for Jarwin. Nevertheless, Dalton Schultz figures to be the main beneficiary while McKeon and Blake Bell rotate in. McKeon -- an undrafted rookie out of Michigan -- was a healthy scratch in the season opener, and he'll likely stick to a run-blocking role if he gets the call.

Crawford dealt with a hip injury from the start of the 2019 training camp and managed to play four games, but he ended up needing surgery for the lingering issue. The 30-year-old defensive end is ready to rock, however, and he'll have a full training camp to prepare for the 2020 season. Crawford will likely fill a situational role after the Cowboys signed Everson Griffen in early August.

Kamara was waived/injured by the Cowboys on Saturday. He joined Dallas as an undrafted rookie back in March and boasts some developmental upside for the team. However, he's now set to spend the entire 2020 campaign on IR barring an injury settlement.

Brown practiced all week and proved he's ready to return to game action. The Cowboys' defense is among the worst in the league, so the 26-year-old cornerback likely will boost its effectiveness to some degree. Last season, Brown played nine games and allowed a 79.9 passer rating and no touchdowns when targeted.

Goodwin is now set to spend a third straight season playing a depth role in the Cowboys' secondary. He'll also provide Dallas with experience on special teams.

Cooper was a rare bright spot on the day as his team managed to generate just 114 passing yards. He made a few short catches while Andy Dalton (head) was under center and somewhat surprisingly managed a 32-yard connection with rookie Ben DiNucci, who entered the game as an injury replacement. Cooper has caught 14 of 17 targets for 159 yards over the last two games since Dak Prescott (ankle) went down, but his production seems unlikely to continue next Sunday night against the Eagles if Dalton is forced to miss the contest.

The 30-year-old is returning to practice this week and could be activated for Sunday's game at Philadelphia since he's already spent the three-game minimum on injured reserve. However, Looney may need a bit more practice time before reaching game readiness, so a return in Week 9 seems like a safer bet.

Thus begins the three-week window during which Dallas can either elect to bring Lee back onto the active roster, or alternatively designate him for season-ending IR. The two-time Pro Bowler has been oft-injured in recent seasons, missing at least five games over three of the past four years. He's yet to make an appearance in 2020, but if Dallas can get him back in the near future things would suddenly be looking up at linebacker. Leighton Vander Esch just made his second appearance of the season on Monday night against the Cardinals, after sitting out Weeks 2 through 5 with a collarbone injury.

Jones was limited in practice all week but will give it a go Sunday. There was never much doubt as Dallas did not sign any alternatives.

Mills spent last season in the desert with the Cardinals but was placed on injured reserve in early October due to a knee injury. He now appears to be fully healthy and looking for a new home.

Gilbert will add depth at quarterback for Dallas following Dak Prescott's gruesome ankle injury in Week 5. He'll have a chance to win the backup job if he can outduel Ben DiNucci.

The tight end's four targets ranked third on the Cowboys for the day, and he was the only other Dallas player to catch multiple passes aside from Amari Cooper. The outlook for the entire offense is bleak due to multiple injuries along the offensive line, but with rookie Ben DiNucci potentially being forced into action in Week 8 in place of Andy Dalton (concussion), Schultz could still see decent target volume as a security blanket for the young QB in his first NFL start.

Turner was a roster casualty by the Packers on Saturday, and he spent last season with the Seahawks, hauling in 15 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown. The Illinois product will likely assume a similar depth role to what he had last year with plenty of proven options ahead of him.

Anae is a classic case of past production versus projectable tools for the next level. At 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds with shaky athleticism, Anae will have to win with skill and a sound pass-rush plan in the NFL. However, that lack of tools didn't stop him from piling up three seasons of at least 10 tackles for loss at Utah. Anae also piled up 13.0 sacks as a senior, helping him earn Consensus All-American honors. He profiles as a depth option at defensive end as he begins his NFL career.

Hyatt had to be carted off the field Thursday, and, as evidenced by this news, the injury appears to be serious. Hyatt was only expected to supply a depth role in 2020 if he was to make the roster, and he'll revert to injured reserve if he goes unclaimed off waivers.

Martin's on track to return for Sunday's game versus the Eagles as long as he doesn't suffer a setback. The 29-year-old offensive guard is one piece of the puzzle for the Cowboys' offensive front that has been devastated by injuries this year.

Assuming he clears waivers, the cornerback is expected to join the team's practice squad.

Hikutini hasn't played an NFL snap since his 2017 rookie season, and since the Cowboys are carrying four tight ends, there may need to be more than one injury for him to be activated.

Lewis hasn't been able to practice since suffering an ankle injury Aug. 20, so he'll be forced to sit out Week 1. Although Lewis wasn't expected to be a starter, it's a major hit to the team's secondary that is expected to start Trevon Diggs on Sunday. Lewis will look to get healthy before Week 2, when the Cowboys face another daunting pass attack in the Falcons.

The 24-year-old has been moved up to the active roster for each of the Cowboys' past two games, fielding a combined 32 defensive snaps against the Giants and Cardinals. Parker has reportedly been turning heads in practice, surpassing players who had spent time with Dallas during training camp. He'll be protected from waivers for another week while backing up Xavier Woods at free safety during a matchup against Washington.

The undrafted rookie out of Rhode Island will get a chance to continue his development in Dallas after having spent the offseason with the team. He notched 81 catches for 1,224 yards and nine scores in 12 games during his final collegiate season in 2019.

LaDouceur's contract includes $750,000 guaranteed. The long snapper has been a pillar of the Cowboys' special-teams units for more than a decade and a half; 2020 will mark his 16th season with the club.

The undrafted free agent made a strong showing in camp, but a lack of exhibition games may have cost Bernard an opportunity to seriously challenge for a spot on the 53-man roster. He's expected to be added to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Burton will take the place of Chidobe Awuzie, who was placed on IR on Saturday with a hamstring injury. Burton saw action in three games with the Cowboys in 2019, seeing just three defensive snaps, so he'll likely assume a similar role if he suits up in Week 3.

Smith will fill the roster spot vacated by Chidobe Awuzie's (hamstring) placement on IR. With Dallas' secondary ravaged by injuries, Smith might get thrown right into the fire against the Russell Wilson-led Seahawks passing game Sunday.