Banged Up ‘Boys
The injury concerns go beyond the quarterback position for the Cowboys this week.
Star receiver Dez Bryant reportedly tweaked his back in practice on Christmas Day. More from PFT.
Wide receiver Dez Bryant tweaked his back at practice on Wednesday and earned a limited designation from the team for his work during the session. Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com reports that the team does not believe it is anything serious, but Bryant’s got a history of back issues that have hampered him over the years.
Bryant was able to practice Thursday.
Starting middle linebacker Sean Lee has been ruled out of Sunday night’s game, per Adam Schefter.
“Obviously one of the top linebackers in the game,” said Chip Kelly. “In nine games he has 99 tackles and four interceptions. And seeing him up close and personal when we played him in October, he was all over the field. He’s as good of a linebacker as there is in this league. But you have tape on what their defense is like without Sean in there because he’s been out for a little bit here.”
Lee has been out of the lineup since suffering a neck injury against Chicago on December 9. His replacement, DeVonte Holloman (hip), was listed as a full participant at Wednesday’s practice.
Meanwhile, signs continue to point to Tony Romo sitting this one out.
Tony Romo’s back is only slightly improved since epidural injection and treatment. Didn’t practice, attend team meeting or game-plan session
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) December 26, 2013
Per ESPN Dallas, cornerback Morris Claiborne (hamstring) and DeMarcus Ware (back) practiced in full.
Like the Minnesota game a couple weeks back, the Eagles face a team that will likely be missing some critical pieces. Kelly doesn’t buy the theory that the Eagles took the Vikings lightly that day, and doesn’t anticipate any fall-off from his team this week based on who’s in and who’s out.
“I know this team is not going to fall for the banana in the tailpipe trick. We’re not concerned with that stuff,” said Kelly.
As for the Eagles, Earl Wolff (knee) participated in practice. Julian Vandervelve tweaked his back this week and did not practice Thursday. That is of some significance because he is the backup center to Jason Kelce. Evan Mathis could slide over in a pinch, and Todd Herremans was spotted practicing some snaps Thursday.
Colt Anderson (knee) was the only other Eagle besides Vandervelde who did not practice.
[Update:] Wolff was listed as a full participant, but sounded uncertain about his ability to play following Thursday’s session.
Earl Wolff: “To accelerate, to drive the way I want to, I’m just feeling pain right now. For real, it’s frustrating.”
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) December 26, 2013
Evan Mathis missed practice Thursday because of an illness. He is expected to be OK for Sunday. Brandon Boykin (hip), Trent Cole (hand), Kurt Coleman (hamstring), Lane Johnson (back) and Mychal Kendricks (knee) practiced in full.