Who’s in, Who’s out: Week 18 injury report has two starters out for the Cowboys
When the clock strikes 3:25 p.m. CT, the Dallas Cowboys will take on the Washington Commanders in their season finale. Entering this game, both teams are heading in different directions.
The Cowboys are prepping for the postseason and playing for a possible NFC East division title and a number-one seed (if things shakeout and the Eagles and 49ers both lose) – while the Commanders are playing for pride and are prepping for the offseason and an early-Cancun trip.
Besides the possible movement in playoff seeding that the Boys can land (if scenarios go their way), there has been debate on whether the franchise should play their starters as there may be a possible injury that could occur before the postseason.
While I agree, there is no doubt the Boys will play their starters, as the Eagles and Niners game will be on at the same time they play. And before we dive into what two starters they will actually be sitting – let’s go over what needs to happen for the Boys to move up in playoff seeding.
If the Eagles lose, the Cowboys win the NFC East – and grab the No. 2 seed.
If the Eagles and 49ers lose, the Cowboys win the NFC East – and grab the No. 1 seed and a bye.
Shifting back to our original conversation, while it would be ideal for the Boys to rest their starters before the postseason – it’s not possible since they won’t know their “end-game” until all the games are finished (unless massive blowouts happen in the other two games).
Also, the only way the Cowboys could rest their starters without game-watching is if they jump on the Commanders early. But everyone knew that, right?
Anyways. With that knowledge now known – let’s dive into the two starters who are actually out.
Cowboys Injury Report
LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) and C Tyler Biadasz (ankle)
Starting with Vander Esch, this will be the third game he’s out since he suffered a neck injury a few weeks ago. Although it could be concerning to have one of your starting linebackers out before the postseason, Vander Esch gave an encouraging update about his health to the media this past week.
