Prescott in Peril? Cowboys rule out both running backs for Week 18

1 week ago 2

Younger fans may not remember who Chris Gronkowski is, but veterans of Cowboys Nation certainly do. See, Rob Gronkowski had an older brother who also played in the NFL. In fact, he had two, Derek and Chris. Chris entered the league the same year Gronk did, and made the Cowboys 53-man roster. Six weeks into the season, he became a part of Cowboys lore in a game against the New York Giants.

Gronkowski failed to pick up blitzing linebacker Michael Boley, who crashed in on quarterback Tony Romo, breaking his collarbone. Romo would miss the rest of the 2010 season. Why does that matter now? Because the Cowboys are planning to trot out franchise quarterback Dak Prescott with a couple of inexperienced rookies at running back for a meaningless Week 18 game.

On Friday, Dallas ruled out both Javonte Williams and Malik Davis from their trip to face those same Giants. Despite being eliminated from the playoffs, the club has said repeatedly they plan to play Prescott for some amount of time in the contest. Prescott is currently leading the NFL in passing yards, a feat he's never accomplished before. The Cowboys are also one win away from topping their win total projection from Vegas of 7.5; not that any team would be concerned about such things.

But the risk is there. Jaydon Blue, who famously hasn't done what is necessary to be active despite being on the 53-man roster all year, is expected to see plenty of action. The team is more than likely going to activate fellow rookie Phil Mafah so he can make his NFL debut. The only other running back in the building is practice squadder Israel Abanikanda.

Along with fullback Hunter Luepke, that will be the last line of defense for Prescott.

Perhaps Luepke will play as long as Prescott does, while the others enter the field of play once Joe Milton takes over. If not, it seems very illogical to risk Prescott's offseason in this manner.

WIlliams and Davis aren't the only players who were ruled out on Friday. The Cowboys also ruled out LB DeMarvion Overshown, who fought his way back from a torn ACL to return midseason, but is now dealing with concussion symptoms.

Guard TJ Bass (knee) and CB Shavon Revel (concussion) were also ruled out. Mafah (shoulder), CB Josh Butler (knee), and DE Peyton Turner (ribs) are all questionable to see if they'll be activated off IR.

On the Giants' side of things, they've ruled out DB Cor'Dale Flott (knee), DBJevon Holland (knee), TE Theo Johnson (illness) and OT Evan Neal (neck). DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (ankle) and Roy Robertson are also out.

Here's a look at the full injury list.