The Dallas Cowboys will have to play their most important game of the season without a major component of their defense. Linebacker Keanu Neal was ruled out for the Cowboys' Wild Card game against the San Francisco 49ers, the only game-status designation for the team.
Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken tweeted the news Friday afternoon.
Cowboys LB Keanu Neal (chest/elbow) has been ruled out for Sunday's playoff game vs. 49ers. Everyone else on 53-man roster carries no game-status designation.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 14, 2022
CBS Sports reports that the middle linebacker is dealing with multiple injuries, including a biceps strain, and chest and elbow injuries.
This is a huge blow for the Cowboys' defense ahead of the Wild Card matchup. Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons has been the talk of the town for Dallas this year, but Neal's injury isn't one to overlook.
He has recorded 70 tackles this season: 42 solo and 28 assisted. Neal also picked up four tackles for loss and one sack in the regular season.
Neal's absence leaves a 6'1″, 225 lb hole in the Cowboys' defense for Sunday night, which the team will have to fill quickly if they have any chance against the 49ers' offense.
Fortunately, Parsons is healthy and ready to go for his NFL playoff debut, along with most of the Cowboys' starting defense. Parson recorded 84 tackles in his first year: 64 solo, 20 assisted. The rookie also had 13 sacks.
If the Cowboys are able to come out of Sunday's game victorious, they will face the winner of the Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams in the next round.
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