Both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are looking for the first win of the 2018 season. When they meet this Sunday night, they’ll have to try to get it without some of their key players.
Here are your Week 2 injury reports for both teams:
Dallas Cowboys
- C Travis Frederick (illness) – OUT
- DL Datone Jones (knee) – OUT
- S Xavier Woods (hamstring) – OUT
- DE Randy Gregory (concussion) – Doubtful
We already knew Frederick’s absence would hurt before the season started. But after last week’s loss to the Panthers, with Dak Prescott getting sacked six times and Ezekiel Elliott being stifled most of the game, the All-Pro center is missed more than ever. While New York’s defensive interior isn’t quite as stout as Carolina’s, Damon Harrison is no slouch.
One of the few bright spots last week was Kavon Frazier, which mitigates some of the impact of being without Woods at safety. But if they get hot, Eli Manning, Odell Beckham, and those other receivers can carve up a defense in way Cam Newton doesn’t. Frazier’s coverage ability may be put to a greater test this week.
Gregory cleared the concussion protocol and returned to limited practice on Friday, but Dallas may elect to give him an extra week for precautionary reasons. It will allow more snaps for Taco Charlton and rookie Dorance Armstrong if Randy doesn’t play.
New York Giants
- LB Olivier Vernon (ankle) – OUT
- LB Tae Davis (hamstring) – Questionable
It’s a short report for the Giants this week, but one big name will be missing. Pass rusher Olivier Vernon remains out with an ankle injury, having missed last week as well.
The Giants moved to a 3-4 defense this year and Vernon switched from DE to LB. Without him last week against the Jaguars, New York got just one sack on Blake Bortles.
Transitions to new defensive schemes are tough early on. One of the keys is to still have talented players, and Vernon is arguably the best player in the Giants’ defensive front. His absence hurts greatly, leaving veteran Connor Barwin and rookie Lorenzo Carter to fill the void.
Missing Vernon will especially hurt for the Giants given the Cowboys’ protection issues last week. Olivier might’ve had a big day, but now Dak Prescott may be able to breathe again and get the Dallas offense back on track.
Tae Davis, a backup inside linebacker, was limited in practice all week. Alec Ogletree and B.J. Goodson are the starters.
