The hits just keep on coming to the Dallas Cowboys roster in 2020. Several players have already been lost for the season due to injury, and the coronavirus pandemic has found its way into the organization as well.
Quarterback Andy Dalton found himself on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 3 while he was already going through concussion protocol after a brutal hit from Linebacker Jon Bostic of the Washington Football Team. Now, it’s spread to the defensive side of the ball as Defensive Lineman Tyrone Crawford was placed on the same list on Wednesday, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Cowboys have placed DL Tyrone Crawford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 11, 2020
This doesn’t mean that Crawford tested positive for the virus it just means he may have been in close contact with someone who is. The Cowboys are currently on their bye which means Crawford could return in Week 11 when they face the Minnesota Vikings. However, he would have to clear all protocol and can’t return to the team’s facility until he does.
Crawford hasn’t been very effective this season. In nine games, he’s managed just five total tackles, which all came in the first four games. The only impact he’s had since was a blocked extra point vs the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. His 25 defensive snaps vs the Steelers was his third-lowest of the season.
The Cowboys did counter the loss of Crawford by reuniting with Defensive Lineman Ron’Dell Carter. The undrafted rookie out of James Madison was waived on September 5 during final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day. On September 30 he was signed off the practice squad by the Indianapolis Colts. He would then be released on November 10.
The hope is that Carter can add some muscle to the Cowboys defensive line rotation.