After being knocked out by the flu last week against the Giants, all indications were that the Cowboys would clear that hurdle this week. This, it is worth mentioning, due to the measures that the team took to have virtual meetings and the extra days of rest after playing on a Thursday. And although those affected last week are already recovered, Dallas could have significant casualties this week.
Two of them are receiver Michael Gallup and cornerback Trevon Diggs. Both players did not participate in the first two practices prior to the game against the Colts, this due to the seasonal flu that has been affecting the Cowboys in recent days. Despite their absence from training, Gallup and Diggs have participated in team meetings virtually.
However, Dallas added a third casualty in this section. This Thursday, right tackle Terence Steele did not practice due to the aforementioned flu. This was reported by Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Cowboys, during a press conference on Thursday.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said WR Michael Gallup and CB Trevon Diggs are not in the building today. They’ll miss a second straight practice with illness but participate in meetings virtually. pic.twitter.com/khv8kQVmQB
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 1, 2022
Cowboys RT Terence Steele is not at practice today. Coach Mike McCarthy hinted that illness is impacting others, not just CB Trevon Diggs and WR Michael Gallup who are missing practice for a second straight day. Injury report to come this afternoon.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 1, 2022
As we mentioned, the Cowboys have several days with a seasonal flu affecting their locker room. And this hit the cowboy team hard in the days leading up to the Thanksgiving game against the Giants.
In the final report before that game, Dallas had up to six players affected by the flu: defensive ends Dante Fowler and Tarell Basham, defensive tackles Neville Gallimore and Johnathan Hankins, cornerback Kelvin Joseph and safety Donovan Wilson. Of those, Basham, Joseph, and Hankins would end up missing the game against New York.
Now, heading into the week 13 game against the Colts, there is some expectation in the cowboy team. Although this flu outbreak is looking smaller, it is affecting three key players of the Cowboys. Given the dates, Gallup and Diggs may be able to recover over the weekend and play Indianapolis. However, other players could also join the casualty list.
It is worth mentioning that the Cowboys are not the only ones affected by this seasonal flu. This week, the Colts have had as many as three players on their injury report listed as out sick: receiver Keke Coufee, tight end Kylen Granson and offensive tackle Braden Smith. However, Granson and Coufee are already recovered and were able to train normally on Thursday.
#Cowboys injury report (Thursday) vs. Colts:
???? Terence Steele is the only change from yesterday’s report — DNP with illness.
For #Colts:
???? Braden Smith (RT1) also missed Indy’s practice today due to illness.
???? Kenny Moore II still DNP. pic.twitter.com/Y1ODKhR8PS
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) December 1, 2022
How could Dallas cover its potential casualties?
Of the possible Dallas sick leave, without a doubt, the most sensitive could be those of Trevon Diggs and Michael Gallup. Right now, Diggs is the best cornerback on the team and is key in pass defense. Meanwhile, Gallup’s loss would affect a cowboy receiving corps that is already shorthanded.
Meanwhile, the possible loss of Terence Steele would be easier to handle. In theory, the Cowboys could cover his absence by putting veteran Jason Peters at right tackle and Josh Ball as a backup. The only downside to this situation could come in the event of a lopsided result as occurred against the Vikings, when the team took the opportunity to move rookie Tyler Smith to guard position to help him adjust to it.
Either way, keep an eye out for the Cowboys’ final practice report this Friday. There it will be possible to know if Michael Gallup and Trevon Diggs are recovered, or if both will remain in doubt until Sunday. Apart from that, it should not be ruled out that the team could add new casualties due to flu. If this comes to pass, Dallas will have to overcome one-time losses once again to achieve victory.
