The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a historic win from last week, but it’s “all gas, no breaks” for them as they head into Week 2 of the regular season facing the New York Jets.
The Cowboys continue to struggle with health along the offensive line, making do without a starter on the line for the second week in a row.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets Inactives
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Brandin Cooks
- OL Tyler Smith
- S Donovan Wilson
- CB Eric Scott Jr.
- WR Junior Fehoko
- CB Noah Igbinoghene
- QB Trey Lance
New York Jets
- DL Will McDonald
- RB Izzy Abanikanda
- OL Max Mitchell
- CB Bryce Hall
- LB Zaire Barnes
- WR Jason Brownlee
- K Greg Zuerlein
Analysis
Two initial thoughts that jump out when seeing the Cowboys’ inactives are that Jourdan Lewis will return since suffering a Lisfranc injury in October, and Jalen Brooks will make his regular-season debut.
With Cooks inactive for the game with an MCL sprain, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup will be the center of attention. However, if Lamb and Gallup are getting covered, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin could turn it up. But don’t count out Brooks, as he had one of the most impressive rookie camps with his speed and physicality.
Keeping Cooks out during this game was a smart call for the team, considering it’s only Week 2 of the regular season. Since there is a long road ahead, it’s better to keep him healthy than to rush a return, possibly creating further injury to his knee.
With Tyler Smith inactive for the second week, Chuma Edoga will take the starting snaps again. Last week, Edoga was holding firm on the line, and center Tyler Biadasz helped block when needed. But head coach Mike McCarthy felt confident in Edoga throughout the week at practice.
Zack Martin had soreness in his groin during the week, but to no one’s surprise, he will be active for the game. Martin has only missed eight total games within his 10-year career.
Noah Igbinoghene is coming off of a productive Week 1 with the Cowboys after scoring the team’s first touchdown of the 2023 season after a blocked kick by Juanyeh Thomas.
But his being inactive this week shows the team’s confidence within the depth of the cornerback room and the special teams unit.
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Igbinoghene is still opening up and finding his fit within the team but has looked promising in the last few weeks since coming to Dallas via a trade with the Miami Dolphins for Kelvin Joseph.
Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was with the Cowboys for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. So, a homecoming with a familiar opponent would have been fun to watch. But the special teams unit will adjust to the team’s kicker for the week, Austin Seibert.