Final Injury Report: Jets’ Kicker Questionable, Two Cowboys Doubtful for Sunday
Each team could be missing key components to its lineup when the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys clash on Sunday at 4:25 pm ET at AT&T Stadium.
For the visiting Jets, a groin injury to veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein popped up late in the week. The 35-year-old former Cowboy was a non-participant during Friday’s practice in Florham Park, and he's officially listed as questionable on the final injury report prior to Sunday's kickoff.
"You are going to see Zuerlein on the injury report. He won’t participate today in practice, he is not out for the game," said Saleh. "He is dealing with a groin, and we will see how that works over the next couple of days."
Gang Green worked out four kickers on Friday, preparing for a scenario where Zuerlein is unable to suit up in Week 2.
"We’re 50-50. We are working out kickers today, in the event that he can’t [play]. It is not serious, but serious enough to bring this game into question," said Saleh, who also mentioned that Zuerlein sustained the injury in Thursday's practice.
Three other Jets starters spent the entire week on the injury report, but are all expected to face the Cowboys. On a maintenance program following their recoveries from offseason surgery, running back Breece Hall, left tackle Duane Brown and right tackle Mekhi Becton were all upgraded to full participants for Friday's practice and carry a questionable tag into the game.
"Injuries real quick, Duane, Becton, and Hall, same routine. They will be full participants today," said Saleh prior to Friday's tune-up for Dallas.
It seems as if the injury bug has taken a much larger bite out of the home team in Sunday's CBS Game of the Week.
Dallas's starting left guard Tyler Smith and starting safety Donovan Wilson are doubtful for Sunday. The former is dealing with a hamstring issue and did not practice on Friday. Meanwhile, Wilson has been a limited practice participant each of the past two days due to a calf injury.
Cowboys' pass-catcher Brandin Cooks, who is listed as questionable with a knee problem, was a non-participant all week in practice. Starting right guard Zack Martin fully participated in Wednesday's walk-through but was limited by a groin injury on Thursday and Friday. Left tackle Tyron Smith, who was listed on the injury report the whole week, has been a full participant and carries no designation into the home opener.
Should none of the individuals improve between now and kickoff, Dallas could be without its two starting offensive guards, a key receiver and a regular at safety.
Cowboys' defensive end Sam Williams did not practice on Friday, but his absence was not injury-related. He is expected to be available on gameday.
Jets at Cowboys Injury Report
FRIDAY
Jets
OL Mekhi Bection (knee) — FP
(Game: Questionable)
OL Duane Brown (shoulder) — FP
(Game: Questionable)
RB Breece Hall (knee) — FP
(Game: Questionable)
K Greg Zuerlein (groin) — DNP
(Game: Questionable)
Cowboys
WR Brandin Cooks (knee) — DNP
(Game: Questionable)
OL Tyler Smith (hamstring) — DNP
(Game: Doubtful)
OL Zack Martin (groin) — LP
(Game: Questionable)
S Donovan Wilson (calf) — LP
(Game: Doubtful)
OL Tyron Smith (ankle) — FP
(Game: – )
DE Sam Williams (NIR/Personal) — DNP
(Game: – )
THURSDAY
Jets
OL Mekhi Bection (knee) — LP
OL Duane Brown (shoulder) — LP
RB Breece Hall (knee) — LP
Cowboys
WR Brandin Cooks (knee) — DNP
OL Tyler Smith (hamstring) — DNP
OL Zack Martin (groin) — LP
S Donovan Wilson (calf) — LP
OL Tyron Smith (ankle) — FP
WEDNESDAY
Jets
OL Mekhi Bection (knee) — LP
OL Duane Brown (shoulder) — LP
RB Breece Hall (knee) — LP
Cowboys
WR Brandin Cooks (knee) — DNP
OL Tyler Smith (hamstring) — DNP
S Donovan Wilson (calf) — DNP
OL Tyron Smith (ankle) — FP
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