As Saints Move To Snap Four-Game Losing Streak, How Will Cowboys Overcome Trysten Hill Suspension & COVID Blows?
Aaron Davis
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The woes continue to pile up for the Dallas Cowboys, who are coming off of a heartbreaking 36-33 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Former 2nd round pick, DT Trysten Hill, has been suspended for one game following a post-game confrontation with Raiders player John Simpson on Thanksgiving. Originally, this suspension was for two games; However, appeals officer Derrick Brooks reduced the punishment down to one. While that is good news for the Cowboys in the long term, it is still one of many obstacles this team will have to overcome this week against the New Orleans Saints, who look to snap a four-game losing streak.
Following Hill’s suspension, the team announced that Head Coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for COVID-19, along with several others in the club, including offensive line coach Joe Philbin, who tested positive before the Thanksgiving game against the Raiders. Subsequent names to join the list include starting right tackle Terrence Steele, assistant offensive line coach Jeff Blasko, offensive assistant Scott Tolzien and strength & conditioning coordinator Harold Nash. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, who missed last week’s game due to testing positive for COVID-19, returned & has subsequently been activated. Cooper is expected to travel to New Orleans today and play against the Saints tomorrow night, per reports from Ed Werder on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
Without Cowboys OT Terence Steele in the lineup, expect Saints DE Cameron Jordan & DT David Onyemata to dial up the pass-rush on QB Dak Prescott. The stats may only show that Cameron Jordan is having arguably his worst season of his career with the Saints, totalling only 4 sacks & 37 combined tackles, he is also one of the most double-teamed defensive ends due to lack of pressure coming from the Saints interior D-line. There is also former 2nd-team All-Pro LB Demario Davis to account for as their fifth rusher, but not all hope is lost for the Cowboys.
Saints DE Marcus Davenport & DE Tanoh Kpassagnon both did not participate in practice yesterday, and it is looking like they will miss their second consecutive game on Thursday. Marcus Davenport is the team’s best pass rusher, leading the way with 5.5 sacks on the year so far; Tanoh Kpassagnon bringing up the rear with 4 sacks. DB CJ Gardner-Johnson, the Saints’s slot cornerback, is also still on Injured Reserve for a foot injury, which can spell opportunities for Cowboys Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb.
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