DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Cowboys continue to be ravaged by injuries, as they are preparing to be without defensive end Dorance Armstrong and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins for Monday night's home opener vs the Eagles.
ESPN's Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys "are likely to be without" both players and their absences likely mean more work for rookie linebacker Micah Parsons at defensive end. Archer adds that practice squad member Justin Hamilton could also be promoted to the 53-man roster for the NFC East clash.
Armstrong stepped in and played 40 snaps in Week 2 vs the Chargers due to DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory's absences, 13 more than he played in Week 1 vs the Buccaneers. Watkins' snaps increased from 30 to 40 from Week 1 to Week 2.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that Armstrong suffered an ankle injury, while Watkins sprained his knee.
What's clear is that the Cowboys simply can't catch a break. Several starters on offense were lost for the majority if not all of last season to injuries. This season, it seems as if the injury bug has shifted to the defensive side of the ball, as starting defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence (broken foot) and Randy Gregory (COVID), cornerback Kelvin Joseph (groin), defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (dislocated elbow) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) have all missed time.
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And earlier Wednesday, several outlets reported that the Cowboys could be without linebacker Keanu Neal after he was added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Cowboys have also lost receiver Michael Gallup for a few weeks (calf) and right guard Zack Martin missed the season opener with COVID. They are also missing starting offensive tackle La'el Collins, who was suspended for five games for violating the NFL's policy on substance abuse.
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