Both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys have plenty of medical mysteries leading up to a key NFC contest Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
The Pack returned to the practice field on Wednesday but listed 13 players on their initial injury report. Chief among them were wide receiver Davante Adams (toe), Jamaal Williams (concussion) and Kevin King (groin). All three did not participate.
Adams missed the final 10 minutes of the Philadelphia game after suffering a turf toe injury that marred his 10 catch/180 yard performance. If he's not able to play, the young receivers behind him all move up a notch on the depth chart. Marquez Valdes-Scantling becomes number one, Geronimo Allison number two and three unproven players will get opportunities on a very big stage.
Jake Kumerow has fought through a shoulder injury since the start of the regular season, landing him inactive the past couple of weeks. Darrius Shepherd and Allen Lazard are both very green.
Aaron Rodgers expressed confidence in the group, saying he has confidence in himself to play better than he has to start the season and lift their games up.
At running back, sixth round pick Dexter Williams may finally make his Green Bay debut if Jamaal Williams remains in the concussion protocol. The Notre Dame rookie has been on the inactive list through the first month.
Other players who did not work Wednesday were Tony Brown and Kyler Fackrell. The linebacker is also dealing with a shoulder injury that has the Packers concerned enough to go out and sign a new outside backer. Green Bay claimed Tim Williams off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. The 2017 third round draft choice out of Alabama had a hard time getting on the field in Baltimore and was released earlier this week.
To make room on the roster, the Packers waived tight end Evan Baylis although they hope to bring him back to their practice squad if he clears waivers by the weekend.
Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga couldn't finish the Philly game with a shoulder injury but he returned in pads on a limited basis Wednesday.
The Cowboys have injury issues with both their starting Pro Bowl tackles. Tyron Smith suffered a high ankle sprain in New Orleans on Sunday night and he did not practice Wednesday. He's considered a long shot to be available against the Packers. Right tackle La'el Collins also did not work because of a bad back. With those two in the lineup, Dak Prescott has been sacked only three times in the first four games. Without them, it could be a different story against a Green Bay defense, riled up over their poor showing against the Eagles.
