Dallas Cowboys have had to place ten of their starters on the I/R this year
You could say it’s 11 players lost if you want to throw in defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff, who said he hadn’t recovered from a groin injury which prompted the Cowboys to release him. He subsequently signed with the Bears.
Ben Bass: The defensive end was a projected backup to a unit beset by injuries. His shoulder is nearly healed and he should be ready in time for the 2014 season.
Sean Lee: Lee was playing like a Pro Bowler, his injury has really set the team back this year. There is no one on the defense that can fill in his void.
Ryan Cook: He was a longshot to make the roster, and when his back didn’t heal enough for him to make the roster it was time to move on. It’s doubtful that the veteran offensive lineman returns.
Tyrone Crawford: A torn Achilles in the first week of training camp ended the defensive end’s season quickly and put the Cowboys in a bind at defensive line. Crawford is now doing on-the-field rehab work, so he should be good for offseason workouts.
Lance Dunbar: Injuries hampered his season. He was just starting to make an impact when he injured his knee in the fourth quarter of the Thanksgiving Day win over Oakland. The Cowboys like the running back’s change-of-pace ability, and he should be given a chance to regain that role in 2014.
Justin Durant: The veteran just couldn’t recover in enough time from a hamstring injury to help the linebacker corps. Durant was signed to play the strong side and he had good moments, but his health got in the way of making more of an impact.
Matt Johnson: Johnson hasn’t played a down in his first two seasons. A hamstring issue his rookie season and an ankle injury late in training camp put him on the shelf. The Cowboys have to make a decision on whether it’s worth keeping the safety around.
Tony Romo: The starting quarterback was knocked around at times this season but he showed an amazing level of toughness to finish the game at Washington last week while his back was throbbing. Romo is projected to return in time for the OTAs.
Anthony Spencer: Spencer’s knee bothered him during training camp and the projected starter at defensive end underwent microfracture surgery after playing in just one game. He becomes a free agent after the season, so it will be interesting if the Cowboys offer him a deal.
Brian Waters: The veteran guard was a solid contributor in the five games he started before a torn triceps ended his season. Waters is unsure about whether he wants to play again. He turns 37 on Feb. 18, and the Cowboys might pass on giving him another contract.
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