Dallas Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas tackles migraines with goggles, aims to strengthen pass defense
The Dallas Cowboys are facing an uphill battle in their pass defense, and safety Juanyeh Thomas is looking for innovative solutions to address his personal challenges on the field. With the Cowboys currently sitting at the bottom of the NFL rankings in pass defense, allowing a staggering average of 260.3 yards per game, the team is eager for any assistance it can find.
Injury Concerns in the Secondary
The plight of the Cowboys’ secondary has been exacerbated by injuries, particularly the loss of starting safety Malik Hooker, who is sidelined with a toe injury. This has left a significant gap in the defense that needs urgent attention. Thomas, who stepped in as Hooker’s replacement, has recently been grappling with his own health issues, specifically migraine headaches that have impaired his vision during games.
Goggles as a Potential Solution
Fortunately for both Thomas and the Cowboys, the team’s medical staff has initiated a new approach to mitigate these migraines. Reports from Cowboys insider Nick Harris indicate that Thomas has begun using specialized goggles to help alleviate his symptoms. This is not a new issue; Thomas has a history of migraines that impacted his performance during training camp.
“Cowboys S Juanyeh Thomas has been dealing with a migraine issue that has affected his vision over the last couple of weeks,” Harris shared on X. “He was at practice rocking some new goggles as the medical staff tries to get to the bottom of it.”
Impact on Performance
The migraine struggles have clearly affected Thomas’s performance on the field. He did not participate in last week’s dominant victory over the Commanders, which ended with a score of 44-22. In his previous three starts, his performance metrics revealed a marked decline. Starting with a PFF coverage grade of 65.8 against the Green Bay Packers, Thomas’s effectiveness dropped to 55.7 against the New York Jets, and further to 54.4 in a Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Cowboys are hopeful that if Thomas can regain his health and performance level in their upcoming game against the Broncos, it would provide a much-needed boost to their defensive lineup. Given the formidable nature of the Broncos’ offense, which showcased its explosive capabilities with a 33-point fourth quarter against the Giants last week, Thomas’s return could be crucial.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 8 showdown, the stakes are high. The potential of Juanyeh Thomas returning to form could not only revitalize the secondary but also bolster the overall defensive strategy against a high-powered opponent. The use of goggles marks an innovative step in addressing his migraine issues, and the team will be watching closely to see if this approach pays off on the field.
