Dallas Cowboys Gear Up for Showdown Against Vikings Amid Injury Challenges
The Dallas Cowboys are set to return to the field on Sunday, facing off against the Minnesota Vikings in a critical Week 15 matchup. With their previous game occurring on Thursday, the Cowboys had a few extra days for preparation. However, the last outing proved to be a rough one, as they suffered a 44-30 defeat to the Detroit Lions. This loss initially appeared to jeopardize their playoff aspirations. Fortunately for Dallas, the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the Los Angeles Chargers the following Monday, providing a glimmer of hope.
With renewed determination, the Cowboys aim to secure victories in their final four games, a daunting task under normal circumstances. The road ahead looks particularly challenging this week, as injuries have left the Cowboys roster significantly depleted, while the Vikings come into the game with a more robust lineup.
Injury Report for the Cowboys
The injury report for Dallas reveals a concerning list of absences and questionable statuses for key players:
Tyler Guyton, T, Ankle – Out
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Hamstring – Questionable
Trevon Diggs, CB, Knee – Questionable
Jake Ferguson, TE, Calf – Questionable
Tyler Guyton will miss his third consecutive game due to a high ankle sprain, an absence that has been felt on the offensive line. Nate Thomas has filled in, but his struggles were evident against Detroit, where he failed to contain pressure from Al-Quadin Muhammad, who tallied three sacks. In a positive turn for Dallas, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to play. Clowney, who missed Week 14 due to a hamstring injury, is also expected to return, which could provide a much-needed boost to the defense.
Vikings Injury Outlook
On the other side of the field, the Minnesota Vikings are relatively healthy, with only a couple of players listed on their injury report:
Ty Chandler, RB, Knee – Questionable
Christian Darrisaw, T, Knee – Questionable
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is the key player to watch, as he has managed to play through soreness despite a history of knee injuries, including a torn ACL and MCL sustained in 2024. His performance will be crucial in protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins and ensuring a stable offensive line.
Preparing for the Challenge Ahead
The Cowboys’ path to the playoffs is fraught with obstacles, not least of which is their injury situation. While the team has demonstrated resilience in the past, the combination of lost players and the pressure of needing to win out adds an extra layer of complexity to their playoff push. As the Cowboys prepare to take on the Vikings, the stakes could not be higher, and every play will count in their quest to keep their postseason hopes alive.
