2 min read • August 04, 2022
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2021 record: 12-5 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 10.5
Starting quarterback Dak Prescott is entering this season the healthiest he has been in his career and ready to lead his team following last year’s first round playoffs lost. Is it finally the year “America’s team” is back in the Super Bowl?
The Cowboys, who finished atop in the NFC East at 12-5, lost talent this offseason with the departures of Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson, Connor Williams and Randy Gregory.
CeeDee Lamb will be taking over the No. 1 wide receiver duties. His targets should increase especially with Michael Gallup still recovering from his ACL injury. Lamb had a season full of career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
It was an off-year for running back Ezekiel Elliot. He had the lowest touches of his NFL career but should be back to full form this season. His lingering PCL tear impacted his running ability as he averaged 4.2 yards per rushing attempt.
Tyron Smith is playing his 12th season on the offensive line. The 31-year-old left tackle said at the first day of training camp he is “the strongest and quickest” he’s been in a long time. His previous neck injury is alarming to our team of Pro Football Docs. He has missed 20 games combined over the last two seasons with a combination of neck and ankle issues.
The Cowboys’ first round pick offensive tackle Tyler Smith suffered from Blount’s disease where the growth plates around the knee cause the legs to bow. He had successful surgery in high school to correct his knees. The Pro Football Docs are not concerned with Smith and his previous condition.
Defensive cornerstone Demarcus Lawrence is back at full health after missing seven games in 2021. After a lackluster performance last season, the nine-year veteran aims to become the team’s sack leader two years since his foot fracture. He does face competition with second-year linebacker Micah Parsons, who tallied 13 sacks in his first season.
The only major injury concern on defense for the Cowboys is linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who suffers from a neck condition that requires him to wear a neck brace during games.
The fifth-year receiver played in only nine games last season, the lowest of his career. He first sustained a left calf strain that held him out for seven games. The Colorado State alum then tore his ACL and MCL during Week 17. His 2021 statistics included 35 receptions for 445 yards and two touchdowns. His targets should increase this season with Pro-Bowl receiver Amari Cooper being traded away to the Browns.
Because he had surgery in February, Gallup is on the physically unable to perform list as expected. He likely will not be ready in time for the season opener. His production should only be down for the first half of the season.
The starting quarterback did undergo clean-up shoulder surgery in the offseason. The Pro Football Docs said the shoulder will not impede in Prescott’s ability to throw this season. He likely suffered the injury because of the lack of preseason preparation. He missed the entire preseason last year with a muscle strain on his throwing side. The 29 year old’s mobility may still be hampered by the 2020 ankle fracture and dislocation, though it is not something to be overly concerned about.
The running back’s decline in production last season can be attributed to a PCL injury he suffered on Nov. 7. He was able to play through the tear, which did not require surgery. Our team of Pro Football Docs said the PCL injury should be behind the former Buckeyes star. Mike McCarthy praised the 27 year old for his work during OTAs. Elliott long term, however, may be at risk for arthritis.
Nagging ankle and neck injuries have limited the All-Pro left tackle to 14 games over the last two seasons. The neck injury is said to have been addressed through surgery but has the potential to flare up at any point throughout the season. The 31 year old missed six games last season because of a left leg injury and right ankle bone spurs. Dr. David Chao said the biggest concern for Smith this season is the neck, not any of the last year’s leg injuries.
It has been two years since Lawrence’s foot fracture, so the Docs expect a big season for the Cowboys’ former sack leader. Before his down-year last season, Lawrence recorded as many as 38 solo tackles and 14.5 sacks. Now that he is fully recovered, the veteran should have a good year.
Vander Esch has a long injury history. Though he did play his first full season last year, the linebacker out of Boise State had neck surgery in 2019 and broke his collarbone in 2020 along with sustaining a high ankle sprain. The durability of his neck is something the Docs worry about as it is something that he continues to re-injure.
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Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott putting out that ‘Best Shape In Your Life Season’ workout propaganda…but in all seriousness I hope he can stay healthy this year… (🎥: @3hunnidGuru IG) #CowboysNation
