Getty Connor Williams
Adding injury to the insult that was Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys will be without starting left guard Connor Williams for their next game against the Detroit Lions — and likely a bit longer.
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett revealed Monday that Williams emerged from their loss to the Vikings with a knee issue. Multiple reports have since confirmed that Williams is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on the knee Tuesday, with the hope that he returns in a “few weeks.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the cleanup procedure ultimately will determine how long Williams is sidelined. Though, it appears as if the Texas product will avoid placement on season-ending injured reserve.
This is the second knee malady for Williams in as many seasons; he missed three games as a rookie due to a right knee injury. The Cowboys’ 2018 second-round pick, he’s performed at a high level thus far this year, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 37 OG among 64 qualifiers.
Arguably the “weakest link” (in title only) on a dominant offensive line, Williams has helped lead Dallas’ fifth-best rushing attack, which is averaging 138.2 yards per game through 10 weeks.
The Cowboys also boast the third-best passing attack (299.2 YPG) and currently top the league with 437.4 passing yards per game.
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Replacement for Williams
That would be Xavier Su’a-Filo, who subbed in for Williams last season and held up marginally well. Su’a-Filo will start Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions and potentially the ensuing tilt against the New England Patriots as Williams recovers.
The Cowboys should be able to weather the Lions, whose defense is largely unremarkable, ranking 30th in total yards allowed, 27th against the pass, and 26th against the run. As a team, they’ve registered 20 sacks, which places them among the bottom half of the NFL.
Martin, Collins Also Banged Up
Williams’ is the most significant injury to the OL, but it’s not the only one. Garrett additionally stated that right guard Zack Martin is dealing with an elbow issue while right tackle La’el Collins hurt his back Sunday versus the Vikings.
The Cowboys tentatively expect Martin and Collins to go against the Lions, but that will be determined by their practice availability on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, after which they’ll release their final Week 10 injury report.
Cowboys offensive line dealing with some injuries coming out of Sunday night’s game:
Connor Williams (knee)
Zack Martin (elbow)
La’el Collins (back)
Brandon Knight is the current backup at both tackle spots and he’s listed behind Su’a-Filo at LG, so it’s possible Dallas promotes OT Mitch Hyatt from the practice squad or, if Martin or Collins requires an extended recovery, bolsters its depth with a free agent.
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Follow Zack Kelberman on Twitter: @KelbermanNFL