The Cowboys will "essentially" move LB Micah Parsons to DE starting today against the Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The shift comes out of need, as Dallas lost DE Randy Gregory (COVID list) and DE Demarcus Lawrence (foot fracture) over the past week. As a result, LB Leighton Vander Esch "should stay on the field in all packages, along with Keanu Neal," Rapoport reports. Neal could see more snaps at safety this week, with S Donovan Wilson (groin) also out. That would leave more playing time available for Jaylon Smith. Vander Esch played just 22% of defensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to Tampa, while Smith played just 25%. Parsons led the group at 78%, with Neal just 1 snap behind. There will obviously be risk in using any of the Cowboys LBs in IDP lineups for Week 2. But Parsons, Neal and LVE all look usable at varied levels. We'd try to hold off on trusting Smith's snap share for now, as the likely 4th guy in order of playing time here. The move also hurts the IDP upside for Parsons by cutting down on his tackle opportunities. We've adjusted them all in our Week 2 LB rankings.
Cowboys S Donovan Wilson is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers with a groin injury. It's an aggravation of an issue that dogged him through most of August. The fact that he logged no practice time despite the long week following a Week 1 Thursday night contest doesn't seem to bode well. S Damonte Kazee is also questionable after sustaining with a thigh injury Thursday. He finished the week with a limited Friday practice. We'll check the status on both players Sunday afternoon.
Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence broke the 5th metatarsal in his foot in Wednesday's practice, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That's the famed "Jones fracture." He'll need surgery but reportedly could make it back onto the field in November. We'll keep an eye on Lawrence's progress. At this point, though, he is droppable in nearly all redraft IDP leagues. Tarell Basham looks like the next man up in Lawrence's spot. With DE Randy Gregory also out with COVID right now, Dorance Armstrong figures to start opposite Basham this Sunday against the Chargers.
Cowboys S Donovan Wilson sat out Wednesday's practice after aggravating a prior groin injury in the Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. "It's just not where we thought it would be or hoped it would be," HC Mike McCarthy said, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "We're just being smart with it. He played a lot of football on Thursday, too." Wilson played 55 of Dallas' 65 defensive snaps (85%) in that game. We'll see about his availability for this Sunday against the Chargers. Jayron Kearse would likely be the fill-in if Wilson can't go.
Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence left Wednesday's practice with a foot injury. "The severity is not yet clear," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. We'll keep an eye out for more, but approach waivers tonight as though you won't have Lawrence in Week 2. Dallas was already likely to miss DE Randy Gregory for Sunday's game against the Chargers after he tested positive for COVID.
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory tested positive for COVID on Monday, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. That will cost Gregory at least a game, but he can make it back by Week 3 if he shakes the virus quickly enough. Tarell Basham and Dorance Armstrong are the next 2 up at DE.
The Cowboys will be without RG Zack Martin for Thursday night's season opener at Tampa Bay. HC Mike McCarthy announced Sunday that Martin has tested positive for COVID. We'll see whether that also jeopardizes his availability for Week 2. Losing Martin figures to impact RB Ezekiel Elliott the most, from a fantasy standpoint. It's a particularly tough blow against a Bucs defense that has consistently ranked at or near the top of the league in run defense in recent seasons. Don't be surprised if we get a slow statistical start for Elliott. At the same time, we're not going to recommend immediately benching a RB you likely drafted in Round 1 -- unless you're loaded at the position. Check our full Week 1 rankings to see exactly where Elliott lands.
The Cowboys have started rookie Micah Parsons and converted S Keanu Neal at LB in each of their past 2 preseason games. It looks as though that pair will lead the playing time at the position. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch did mix in heavily with the 1st-team defense against Houston on Saturday, though. The ascension of the 2 new guys is noteworthy. Smith has been a full-time player and carries 1 of the league's largest cap numbers among off-ball LBs (nearly $10 million), and LVE is a former 1st-round pick who has dealt with injuries the past couple of years. Parsons, of course, arrived in Round 1 of this year's draft. Neal has history with new DC Dan Quinn, having played for him in Atlanta. The exact playing-time breakdown in this crowded corps is likely still working out, so we're wary of over-committing to any Dallas LB in IDP leagues. Parsons looks like the player with the highest upside and makes for a nice LB3 option (if he lasts). Neal could be a worthwhile late flier in deeper drafts. We've updated our projections for the group this week.
The Cowboys on Tuesday activated DE Demarcus Lawrence from the PUP list, after he passed his physical. Lawrence had offseason surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back, which he said caused him some leg issues last season. “I feel like I’m in Phase 3 of the rehab out of four phases,” Lawrence told The Athletic. “I feel like I’m progressing real well. It’s all about getting the legs back and attacking and working myself in with the boys.” We'd rather have Lawrence be in Phase 4 by this point, but there's still time for him to round into shape. We'll see about reports on Lawrence's readiness as the season draws closer. There's a chance he plays healthier this season than last, which would obviously be good for his production.
Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence (shoulder) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) are active for today's game against the Jaguars. They're OK to use as planned in IDP lineups.
Cowboys HC Jason Garrett confirmed to ESPN's Ed Werder that he won't rest starters in tonight's game against the Lions. Dallas has clinched the NFC's #1 seed and could limit or hold out some guys in the regular-season finale. But doing so tonight would mean 3 weeks off between games. QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten are all safe to use in Week 16 fantasy lineups.
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