The Cowboys will be without RG Zack Martin for Thursday night's season opener at Tampa Bay. HC Mike McCarthy announced Sunday that Martin has tested positive for COVID. We'll see whether that also jeopardizes his availability for Week 2. Losing Martin figures to impact RB Ezekiel Elliott the most, from a fantasy standpoint. It's a particularly tough blow against a Bucs defense that has consistently ranked at or near the top of the league in run defense in recent seasons. Don't be surprised if we get a slow statistical start for Elliott. At the same time, we're not going to recommend immediately benching a RB you likely drafted in Round 1 -- unless you're loaded at the position. Check our full Week 1 rankings to see exactly where Elliott lands.
The Cowboys have started rookie Micah Parsons and converted S Keanu Neal at LB in each of their past 2 preseason games. It looks as though that pair will lead the playing time at the position. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch did mix in heavily with the 1st-team defense against Houston on Saturday, though. The ascension of the 2 new guys is noteworthy. Smith has been a full-time player and carries 1 of the league's largest cap numbers among off-ball LBs (nearly $10 million), and LVE is a former 1st-round pick who has dealt with injuries the past couple of years. Parsons, of course, arrived in Round 1 of this year's draft. Neal has history with new DC Dan Quinn, having played for him in Atlanta. The exact playing-time breakdown in this crowded corps is likely still working out, so we're wary of over-committing to any Dallas LB in IDP leagues. Parsons looks like the player with the highest upside and makes for a nice LB3 option (if he lasts). Neal could be a worthwhile late flier in deeper drafts. We've updated our projections for the group this week.
The Cowboys on Tuesday activated DE Demarcus Lawrence from the PUP list, after he passed his physical. Lawrence had offseason surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back, which he said caused him some leg issues last season. “I feel like I’m in Phase 3 of the rehab out of four phases,” Lawrence told The Athletic. “I feel like I’m progressing real well. It’s all about getting the legs back and attacking and working myself in with the boys.” We'd rather have Lawrence be in Phase 4 by this point, but there's still time for him to round into shape. We'll see about reports on Lawrence's readiness as the season draws closer. There's a chance he plays healthier this season than last, which would obviously be good for his production.
Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence (shoulder) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) are active for today's game against the Jaguars. They're OK to use as planned in IDP lineups.
Cowboys HC Jason Garrett confirmed to ESPN's Ed Werder that he won't rest starters in tonight's game against the Lions. Dallas has clinched the NFC's #1 seed and could limit or hold out some guys in the regular-season finale. But doing so tonight would mean 3 weeks off between games. QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten are all safe to use in Week 16 fantasy lineups.
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