Dallas Cowboys Set to Face Washington Commanders with Key Players Absent Due to Injuries

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Dallas Cowboys will enter their upcoming game against the Washington Commanders with a significant portion of their salary cap disabled due to various injuries. Notably, right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs have been ruled out, contributing to the team’s substantial lineup challenges.

Martin remains doubtful with ankle and shoulder injuries and was unable to practice throughout the preceding week. Diggs, grappling with groin and knee injuries, was initially marked as questionable despite participating in restricted workout sessions on Thursday and Friday.

The Cowboys’ roster woes are further compounded by the absence of quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and wide receiver Michael Gallup, all placed on injured reserve. Financially, Martin’s contract impacts the team’s salary cap by $15.5 million, while Diggs’ contract equals $15.3 million as per ESPN.

Brandon Cooks, who had been anticipated to return from a knee injury, has not been added to the 53-man roster. However, both tackle Tyron Smith and defensive end Dorance Armstrong have been activated off injured reserve and will play against the Commanders. Meanwhile, safety Donovan Wilson was placed on injured reserve, making space for these roster adjustments.

On the defensive side, the Cowboys will have Pro Bowl cornerback Jourdan Lewis make his season debut after recovering from foot surgery. Furthermore, Kelvin Joseph will return to the lineup as a nickel corner following a brief absence due to a neck injury. Connor McGovern is slated to take over Martin’s role temporarily, while the health of other injured linemen remains under scrutiny.

Continuing with player adjustments, tight end Sean McKeon has been elevated from the practice squad due to Dalton Schultz‘s concussion. Cornerback Naashon Wright has also been moved up for the second consecutive game.

The Washington Commanders likewise announced their player statuses, notably retaining kicker Austin Seibert active following his recovery from a hip injury. Rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste has been activated from injured reserve, whereas running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was released.

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, acquired from New Orleans, remains out with a hamstring injury and has yet to participate in full practice sessions with his new team. Additionally, Emmanuel Forbes Jr, previously under scrutiny, is inactive for the game. Meanwhile, linebacker Nick Bellore will resume duties on special teams following a knee injury recovery.

The team lists its inactive players as cornerbacks Marcus Lattimore and Emmanuel Forbes Jr, quarterback Jeff Driskel, linebacker Dominique Hampton, and guard Chris Paul for the Commanders. For the Cowboys, inactives include cornerback Trevon Diggs, cornerback Caelen Carson, running back Deuce Vaughn, guards Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, tight end Jake Ferguson, and defensive end Tyrus Wheat.