The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 5 facing one of their most difficult personnel stretches of the season. Injuries have left the offensive line depleted, while multiple skill players and defensive starters are also unavailable.
The result is a roster that may rely heavily on reserves to remain competitive.
Center Cooper Beebe, who suffered a major ankle injury on September 15, was placed on injured reserve with a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.
In his absence, Brock Hoffman has handled snapping duties over the past two games. The problems extend beyond the middle of the line. Right guard Tyler Booker has been ruled out with an ankle issue, and left tackle Tyler Guyton remains sidelined after entering concussion protocol.
Left guard Tyler Smith is listed as questionable due to a knee concern, leaving Dallas uncertain about three of its five starting positions.
As the situation stands, Nate Thomas is slated to start at left tackle, while Terence Steele is the lone healthy starter from the original front five. Steele is expected to anchor a unit now composed primarily of backups, including Tyler Bass, who filled in at guard last week. Depth players such as Trevor Keegan and Hakeem Adeniji may also see expanded roles depending on Smith’s availability.
Defensive and skill position concerns add pressure
The challenges extend beyond the offensive line. Safety Malik Hooker, who injured his toe in Week 4, will not suit up this weekend. His spot will be filled by Juanyeh Thomas, giving Dallas another starter in the secondary with limited experience.
On offense, quarterback Dak Prescott will be without top wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, sidelined by an ankle injury. Special teams also take a hit with returner KaVontae Turpin ruled out due to a foot problem.
Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and cornerback Caelen Carson both remain on injured reserve but are listed as questionable with knee injuries, meaning roster adjustments would be required before either could be activated.
Additional names on the injury list include defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, linebacker Kenneth Murray, and running back Miles Sanders, all dealing with knee or ankle issues.
Not all of the news is negative. Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, both previously hampered by injuries, carry no designation this week and are expected to play. Their availability provides some stability for a defense that has been stretched thin by absences.
The immediate concern, however, remains the offensive line. With four of five starting linemen either out or uncertain, Dallas risks fielding an almost entirely backup unit against a physical opposing front. Protecting Prescott and creating running lanes under these conditions will demand significant adjustments in play design and execution.
The Cowboys‘ ability to withstand this wave of injuries may determine their trajectory in the coming weeks. With depth players thrust into starting roles on both sides of the ball, Dallas faces a critical test of roster resilience and coaching adaptability.
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