As the NFL enters Week 10, teams are grappling with significant injuries that could impact their playoff aspirations. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys will be without their starting quarterback Dak Prescott, while other teams are facing uncertainty regarding their star players’ availability for upcoming games.
Key Takeaways
- Dak Prescott placed on injured reserve, will miss at least four games.
- Micah Parsons returns for the Cowboys after a four-game absence.
- Tyreek Hill’s status for Monday night is uncertain due to a wrist injury.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster ruled out again for the Chiefs with a hamstring injury.
- Bengals missed out on Yannick Ngakoue, who was claimed by the Patriots.
Dak Prescott’s Injury Woes
The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained last Sunday. This decision means Prescott will miss a minimum of four games, leaving the team in a precarious position at 3-5. Executive vice president Stephen Jones stated that the timeline for Prescott’s return remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from four weeks to the entire season.
In Prescott’s absence, veteran backup Cooper Rush will take over the starting role. The Cowboys are hoping to salvage their season, but the loss of their starting quarterback is a significant blow.
Micah Parsons Returns
In a silver lining for the Cowboys, linebacker Micah Parsons is set to return to the lineup against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing four games due to a high ankle sprain. Parsons, a three-time All-Pro, is expected to bolster a struggling defense that ranks poorly in several key metrics, including points allowed per drive and sacks.
Despite his return, the Cowboys’ defense is still dealing with injuries, including Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland, who is out with a foot injury, and Trevon Diggs, who is questionable due to a calf issue.
Tyreek Hill’s Uncertain Status
The Miami Dolphins are anxiously awaiting news on wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who missed practice on Friday due to a wrist injury. Hill had previously been dealing with a foot injury, and his absence could significantly impact the Dolphins’ offense as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Rams on Monday night.
Hill’s production has been down this season, with only 446 receiving yards, and the Dolphins need him healthy to improve their chances of victory.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Out Again
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for another week as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Smith-Schuster has missed the last two games and did not practice at all this week. His absence will be felt as the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos this Sunday.
In addition to Smith-Schuster, defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton is listed as questionable, while several key players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are set to play without injury designations.
Bengals Miss Out on Ngakoue
In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Bengals were interested in acquiring defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who was recently waived by the Baltimore Ravens. However, the New England Patriots, with a higher waiver priority, successfully claimed Ngakoue. This move leaves the Bengals without a key defensive addition as they look to improve their playoff chances.
Ngakoue’s move to the Patriots, who are struggling at 2-7, may benefit the Ravens, as they avoid strengthening a potential playoff competitor.
As Week 10 approaches, teams will be closely monitoring their rosters and the health of their players, as injuries continue to play a pivotal role in the NFL season.
Sources
- Micah Parsons to return for Cowboys vs. Eagles on Sunday – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
- Tyreek Hill misses practice on Friday due to wrist injury – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
- Bengals wanted Yannick Ngakoue, but Patriots had higher waiver priority – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster out again for Chiefs – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
- Cowboys will place Dak Prescott on injured reserve – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.