Why Cowboys TE Geoff Swaim is likely out until playoffs with a broken wrist?

Unless the Dallas Cowboys make the playoffs, tight end Geoff Swaim is likely out for the season with a fractured wrist that is worse than expected.

Not only is Swaim’s wrist fractured, but it was dislocated and he also tore ligaments in it when he was hurt near the end of the 22-19 victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

He has already undergone surgery and he has a doctor’s appointment next week to be fitted for a cast.

There was a thought that Swaim could return in four or five weeks, but says that is unlikely because he needs to be able to grab and squeeze his hand as a tight end to block and catch passes.

Although he is hoping for the best, the more realistic timetable for a return is a possible playoff game.

This means the Cowboys will have to continue with Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers and Dalton Schultz sharing the duties just as they did in replacing him in the 31-23 victory against the Redskins.

All three will need to step their production up starting Thursday against the New Orleans Saints.

Swaim is still the team’s third-leading receiver with 26 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown.

Jarwin, who had two catches for 25 yards against the Redskins, has six for 67 yards this season. Schultz has four for 32 and Gathers has two for 46.

More importantly, they will need to prove to the Cowboys they can be trusted as blockers in the run game. One reason Swaim dominated snaps was his capabilities as a blocker as well as the lack of proficiency of the other three.

This story was originally published November 29, 2018 at 8:00 AM.