For the first time all season, the New York Giants will field their full slate of talent on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but the same can not be said for Jerry Jones’ squad.
Although Dallas is coming out of their bye week — a time most team’s find some level of health — they remain a little banged up and will be without offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (calf) in Week 9.
The Cowboys officially ruled their primary backup out on Saturday evening, which means rookie offensive lineman Brandon Knight, who has performed admirably when called upon, will serve as the team’s swing tackle and go-to extra blocker against the Giants.
In addition to Fleming, the Cowboys also announced that cornerback Anthony Brown (hamstring) and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) are questionable.
Brown serves as the primary backup for Byron Jones, so in the event he’s unable to play, Jourdan Lewis and C.J. Goodwin would be bumped up the depth chart and likely see more defensive snaps.
However, the potential absence of Vander Esch is what looms largest. One of the most impactful players on the Dallas defense, being without Vander Esch would leave a major hole at weakside linebacker, where Joe Thomas would be forced to step up and start.
We won’t know about the final status on Brown or Vander Esch until about 90 minutes prior to kickoff on Monday night.
