Dallas Cowboys get one starter back from COVID-19 list, then lose another one Monday
The wheels of the COVID-19 list continue to turn for the Dallas Cowboys and not in a good way.
Just as the team activated starting right guard Zack Martin and backup offensive lineman Brandon Knight from the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list, starting defensive end Randy Gregory was added to the list Monday.
Gregory is the 10th Cowboys player to enter COVID-19 protocols since Aug. 21.
His status for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers is up in the air.
According to sources, Gregory is vaccinated and asymptomatic. So he could return for the Chargers game if he has two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart.
Gregory, who played 37 snaps while posting one tackle and one fumble recovery in the season opener against Tampa Bay, is a key factor in the Cowboys’ pass rush.
Dorance Armstrong would likely start in his place if he can’t go.
The good news is the Cowboys will have have Martin and Knight back for the Chargers after they were unavailable for the opener.
Their return should help bolster the Cowboys’ offensive line, which is now without starting right tackle La’el Collins, who has been suspended for the next five games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Martin, a perennial Pro Bowl guard, could slide over to right tackle. The team will focus on Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele as options at right tackle first.
The Cowboys on Monday also placed wide receiver Michael Gallup on the reserve/injured list with a calf injury. Gallup could return after three games.
This story was originally published September 13, 2021 at 4:14 PM.
