The Cowboys’ defensive line is starting to remind of us the offensive line from 2020. Injuries abound right now at both end and tackle with several players already declared out for Monday night’s game against the Eagles. Now DE Bradlee Anae is joining the absentees after going into the COVID-19 protocol.
Anae was getting more work in his second season. After barely existing in his rookie year, the former 5th-round pick was in on 24% of the defensive snaps and 53% of special teams plays over the first two weeks.
Now the Cowboys will have to adjust for yet another missing defensive linemen against Philadelphia.
DE Bradlee Anae is on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He was not at practice and will miss Monday's game vs. Philadelphia. Another hit for the Cowboys defensive line.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 24, 2021
Cowboys DE Bradlee Anae is the team's 12th player to be placed on Reserve/COVID-19 since Aug. 21. At least seven tested positive during that span, not including DC Dan Quinn.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 24, 2021
As of Friday, here are the defensive players that the #Cowboys will likely be without for #PHIvsDAL
– Dorance Armstrong
– Carlos Watkins
– Bradlee Anae
– Donovan Wilson (Questionable)
– Keanu Neal
– DeMarcus Lawrence
– Neville Gallimore (Preseason)
– Trysten Hill (Preseason)— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) September 24, 2021
Thankfully there will be some offsetting returns this week. The key one is Randy Gregory coming off the COVID list and resuming his starting role.
Dallas also looks forward to the debut of rookie Chauncey Golston, who should be active for this time this year after missing all of camp and preseason the PUP list.
Still, we’re looking very thin at DE with just Gregory, Golston, Tarell Basham, and Azur Kamara active for the game. Expect to see plenty more of LB Micah Parsons as a pass rusher to help weather the storm.
Another help to the Cowboys are some injuries on the Eagles’ starting offensive line. Guard Brandon Brooks is on IR and OT Jordan Mailata is expected to miss Monday’s game. Center Jason Kelce is also dealing with foot issue but should play this week.
In reality, missing Bradlee Anae wouldn’t be a big deal if we had Lawrence and Armstrong healthy. Anae wouldn’t factor much into the rotation at that point. But those absences up top made him a more critical asset, and would’ve given the young DE a nice chance to show what he can do.
Hopefully he can return in Week 4 and contribute as the season rolls along.
