“Mounting Injuries and Poor Performance Plague Cowboys’ Rocky 2024 Season Start”
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season has gotten off to a rocky start, and now injuries are adding to their troubles. On Wednesday, the team placed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on injured reserve due to a wrist injury. This adds to the growing list of sidelined linemen, with six players from both the offensive and defensive lines expected to miss at least the next four weeks.
Phillips, standing at 6’6″ and 330 pounds, raised some doubts about the injury report, saying when asked how the injury happened, “I don’t know. That’s above my pay grade. You’d have to ask the decision-makers.” He also mentioned that his wrist felt “fine” and appeared frustrated as he left the locker room.
The 31-year-old veteran played just 19 snaps in Week 2 against the Saints, where he was criticized for poor conditioning and struggles against the run. Phillips currently holds a low 29.2 PFF grade, ranking among the worst in the league after joining the Cowboys this offseason.
Additionally, defensive lineman Mazi Smith left practice Wednesday with a back injury and did not participate. Smith, the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, has yet to meet expectations and has yet to record a tackle this season.
The most concerning injury for fans, though, is to star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed practice with an ankle injury. However, ESPN’s Todd Archer reassured fans that there’s “no real concern” about Lamb’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Cornerback Trevon Diggs also sat out Wednesday’s practice but is expected to be fine, while DaRon Bland returned to practice following foot surgery, a boost for the struggling defense.
The Cowboys are also reeling from a crushing 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints, which snapped their 16-game home winning streak. New Orleans scored touchdowns on its first six possessions, with Alvin Kamara amassing nearly 200 yards and four touchdowns. Reflecting on the loss, star linebacker Micah Parsons said, “I don’t think it was about the scheme. Coach Zimmer called a good game. We just got outplayed. None of us played at 100 percent. That’s the truth, and we all need to do better.”