The Dallas Cowboys continue their preparation for the Miami Dolphins, but with a lengthy injury report this week, younger players may need to step up.
Dallas Cowboys Practice Report
The Cowboys had a typical Thursday practice, which is more amped up than Wednesdays.
Thursday will be the team’s final padded practice of the regular season.
Rain was coming down heavily during practice, so although it started outside, the team quickly moved inside.
Dak Prescott taking the field for a rainy Thursday practice. The team ended up moving practice inside. pic.twitter.com/teXEu8fDA5
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) December 21, 2023
Zack Martin and Tyron Smith were not spotted during practice when it was open to the media. But keep in mind that only a short portion of practice is open to the media.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report
Full participants:
- DE Junior Fehoko (Knee)
- OT Matt Waletzko (Shoulder)
- RB Tony Pollard (Thumb)
Limited participants:
- S Malik Hooker (Ankle)
- RB Rico Dowdle (Ankle)
Did not participate:
- DT Johnathan Hankins (Knee/Ankle)
- G Zack Martin (Thigh)
- OT Tyron Smith (Back)
G Zack Martin
Martin was dealing with a thigh injury and discussed his status in the locker room on Thursday.
“I feel good, still got a few days to keep working at it, but it looks good for this weekend,” said Martin.
However, it is worth noting that Wednesday is typically a veteran rest day anyway.
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But with Martin out of practice, undrafted rookie T.J. Bass continues to take those reps. Bass played in Martin’s absence against the Bills and is expected to do so again if he isn’t available against the Dolphins.
OT Tyron Smith
Smith popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with a back injury he sustained on Sunday against the Bills.
In a press conference ahead of practice, head coach Mike McCarthy said Smith was scheduled to do more on Thursday than Wednesday.
Per Mike McCarthy, Tyron Smith (back) popped up on Wednesday’s injury report and he said it’s something that happened in Sunday’s game vs. the Bills. Smith is “working through it” and is scheduled to do more today than yesterday. pic.twitter.com/luu1RtQizO
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) December 21, 2023
If Smith isn’t available, Chuma Edoga will step in once again at the left tackle position. So far this season, Edoga has taken 345 offensive snaps.
S Malik Hooker
Hooker has been dealing with an ankle injury for the last two weeks as well.
He was spotted at practice working with Britt Brown on Thursday. However, Hooker did not participate in practice on Wednesday.
In his absence, second-year safety Juanyeh Thomas took his snaps. So far this season, Thomas has played 20.07% of the defensive snaps.
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