After a humbling 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the blows continue to stack up against the Dallas Cowboys. As if the score wasn’t reflective of what a bad night it was for the Cowboys, the injuries started to stack up, and the devastating blows continue.
Dallas will be without C.J. Goodwin for the rest of the season and could be without WR KaVontae Turpin for a few weeks.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
C.J. Goodwin Injury Update
The Dallas Morning News reported that Goodwin is out for the rest of the season with a torn left pectoral muscle.
The special teams ace was ruled out of the game before the second half and mentoring his teammates from the sidelines.
Cowboys CB C.J. Goodwin tore his left pectoral muscle as feared, a person familiar with situation said. He is expected to miss rest of season. Brutal development for a locker-room leader and elite special teamer. When out Sunday, he mentored others on sideline. https://t.co/1gQLAGQsFH
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
Goodwin is a locker-room leader and tone-setter for special teams. With him out, Jalen Tolbert will have more pressure as the team’s gunner.
KaVontae Turpin Injury Update
Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins also reported that the early diagnosis for Turpin is a high ankle sprain, but they are awaiting MRI results for final confirmation.
MORE: Observations From the Dallas Cowboys’ Deflating 42-10 Loss to the San Francisco 49ers
If this is the case, this would be a 4-6 week injury, bringing Turpin back as early as Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Turpin was the only receiver to score a touchdown for the team on Sunday night.
Turp speed 😮💨 @KaVontaeTurpin
📺: NBC & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/tR4nGBr3Mi
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 9, 2023
The Cowboys can stay at bay with returners in Rico Dowdle or Deuce Vaughn. But, if they wanted to evaluate anyone from the practice squad, they have options with WR Jalen Brooks or RB Malik Davis.
However, the most cryptic part of Watkins’ tweet stated that, per his sources, Turpin was “the least of their worries,” implying that more injury news would surface soon.
Cowboys awaiting MRI results on several players. Early diagnosis for returner KaVontae Turpin is high-ankle sprain. Normally a 4-6 week injury. Result of MRIs will determine final results. As one team official noted this morning, “he’s the least of our worries.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 9, 2023
Other Cowboys’ Injuries To Keep an Eye On
There should be more clarity on these injuries later today as Mike McCarthy and the coordinators will speak to the media, but here is what we know so far.
Leighton Vander Esch
One of the more significant injury news was concerning LB Leighton Vander Esch, who left the game with a neck injury.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the linebacker’s X-ray results returned negative last night after the game. However, the evaluations would continue on Monday with an MRI.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch underwent X-rays on neck Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, and in good news, those returned negative, a person familiar with situation said. Team to take every precaution here. His evaluation continues Monday with MRI.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
This is worrisome for Vander Esch, given the neck injury history he has faced throughout his playing career.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott was dealing with a finger issue on his throwing hand during the game.
During the NBC broadcast, it was reported that the quarterback went to the sideline to get his right hand checked out and returned to the field with his middle finger taped.
After the game, Prescott said his finger was stepped on but said it didn’t “alter anything” during the game.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott said he had his finger stepped on during game. “That didn’t alter anything. Obviously, it was before the touchdown. Part of football.” pic.twitter.com/6npcMGy8rr
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
Although it doesn’t seem like this will be an issue, it’s still something to watch closely in the coming week.
Donovan Wilson
After getting his ankle rolled over, the training staff helped Donovan Wilson off the field late in the fourth quarter.
Medical staff tended to Wilson and checked his right ankle. There is no further update on Wilson at the moment.