Cowboys, Saints injuries could tilt the odds in Dallas’ favor
Last week the Dallas Cowboys went on the road and manhandled the Cleveland Browns. The 33-17 victory was the result of quality play by Dallas, but a couple of injuries for the Browns to their starting offensive tackles certainly influenced the outcome.
This week, the Cowboys may again be the beneficiary of an injury imbalance between the two sides. The final injury report has the Cowboys being a full go with DE Marshawn Kneeland. On the negative side, they will almost certainly be without starting tight end Jake Ferguson, even though he is technically listed as doubtful. He hasn’t practiced all week. They will also be without reserve tight end John Stephens.
Losing Ferguson certainly hurts the offense, but his position is not one of the most crucial on the field. Having a great tight end absolutely benefits a team, but just having some average guys there doesn’t really crush a team, like say, losing a left tackle or a cornerback.
And that might be what the Saints are looking at on Sunday. Veteran corner Marshon Lattimore is battling a hip/hamstring injury and his official status is questionable. But, he hasn’t practiced all week which is usually a bad sign. He could be joined by left tackle Taliese Fuaga, who is questionable with a back issue. He was limited on Wednesday, and didn’t practice the rest of the week. Fuaga is the 14th overall pick in the 2024 draft and had an outstanding first week.
If those two can’t play, that is two of the Saints’ best players at two of the most important positions in football. Additionally, the Saints will be without DT Khalen Saunders and LB D’Marco Jackson.
The Cowboys are already 6.5-point favorites (FanDuel) heading into the game. If the Saints are without a couple of important players, that would give Dallas that much more of an advantage.