Already scrambling after La’el Collins’ suspension was announced last Friday, the Dallas Cowboys will now be without a key depth player at offensive tackle. Veteran Ty Nsekhe was hospitalized last night following heat-related illness and has now been declared out for Week 2.
Thankfully for the Cowboys they’d already settled on Terence Steele as the starting right tackle for Sunday’s date with the Los Angeles Chargers. But while not as disruptive as it could’ve been, losing Nsekhe now leaves Dallas very thin at two critical positions.
Brandon Knight, who’s primarily played backup tackle for Dallas the last two seasons, will serve as the swing tackle in Nsekhe’s absence.
Cowboys backup OT Ty Nsekhe experienced heat illness symptoms Thursday afternoon. Nsekhe was transferred by ambulance to a local hospital. Spent overnight there. No longer in hospital but won’t play Sunday vs. Chargers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 17, 2021
Ty Nsekhe spent Thursday night in a local hospital after being taken by ambulance due to a heat-related illness following practice, according to coach Mike McCarthy. Nsekhe has been released from the hospital and will not play Sunday.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 17, 2021
It’s been quite a week for roster problems since the Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. Following Collins’ suspension news we had DE Randy Gregory go on the COVID list, DeMarcus Lawrence break his foot in practice, and now both starting safeties working through injury issues.
Missing La’el at right tackle is a huge concern with Los Angeles’ Joey Bosa to contend with, but at least Zack Martin will be back following last week’s absence due to COVID. Even if he doesn’t play RT, Martin will be a stabilizing presence for both Steele and Center Tyler Biadasz.
Dallas won’t have the same opportunity for a “moral victory” this week as they did against the Bucs. Even in defeat the Cowboys earned respect and a brief feelgood swell by nearly upsetting the defending champs on the road.
Going to 0-2 against the Chargers won’t have the same cushion, even with these personnel issues to overcome. If the Cowboys don’t get it done this Sunday then there will be a very different mood around the organization in the following days.
