The Dallas Cowboys took a big loss last week at home against the Arizona Cardinals. The defeat dropped Dallas out of the #2 seed all the way down to #4. However, they can still earn themselves a guaranteed two home playoff games. In order to do that, it starts Sunday with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles. They would also need wins by San Francisco and Carolina.
But beating the Eagles just got a bit tougher for Dallas. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter has reported that the Cowboys have ruled out Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, running back Tony Pollard, and safety Jayron Kearse.
Cowboys ruled out CB Trevon Diggs (illness), S Jayron Kearse (hamstring) and RB Tony Pollard (foot) for Saturday night’s game vs. the Eagles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2022
Diggs is reportedly dealing with a non-COVID-related illness. Kearse has a hamstring injury. Pollard has been dealing with a foot injury for a few weeks but suited up last week. However, he played limited snaps and was ineffective on the ground, with nine yards rushing on three carries. He did garner three catches for 49 yards through the air though, including a gorgeous 31-yard catch and run. For much of the season, Pollard has looked like the better tailback on the team.
Things were already going to be difficult against a surging Eagles team. Philadelphia has won six of their last seven games. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has made massive improvements as the season progressed.
The weakness of the Cowboys' defense has been their rush defense. The Eagles are the best rushing football team in the NFL. But now without Diggs on the outside to lock down DeVonta Smith, Hurts might also look to take some shots downfield.
All of this could potentially be a non-starter as well. Both teams very well might only play their starters for a half before pulling them since both have clinched playoff berths already.
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