FRISCO, Texas – It didn't crop up in the aftermath of their 22-19 win in Atlanta, but the Cowboys confirmed some more injury news ahead of their Thanksgiving game this week.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confirmed Monday night that Geoff Swaim won't be available Thursday against Washington, as he suffered a broken bone in his right wrist. Garrett wasn't ready to rule Swaim out for the rest of the season, but he did say Swaim will require surgery and won't be available this week.
It's a tough blow for a tight end group that's lacking in proven playmakers. Swaim is this team's fourth-leading receiver with 242 yards and a touchdown on the year. He's also the Cowboys' most accomplished blocker, as evidenced by the fact that he has played 514 offensive snaps this season – roughly 80 percent of the Cowboys' output.
For comparison's sake, the only members of the Dallas offense with more snaps this season are Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and the starting foursome of Tyron Smith, Joe Looney, Zack Martin and La'el Collins on the offensive line.
Without Swaim in the lineup, the Cowboys will have to lean even harder on their young trio behind him. Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers and Dalton Schultz have all had small roles and moments within the offense, but none of the three has played more than 25 percent of the snaps this season.
The news isn't all bad, though. Garrett had favorable reports on a few of his injured players, including positive updates on Taco Charlton and Atwaun Woods, both of whom did work on Monday afternoon.
"Antwuan was part of the walkthrough today. Hopeful he can practice tomorrow," Garrett said. "Taco did some work after the walkthrough today. So hopefully he can do more tomorrow and we'll see how he is for the game."
Tyron Smith is another guy worth keeping an eye on heading into this short week. The All-Pro tackle suffered a particularly painful stinger on the last drive of Sunday's game, though he said he'd be alright for Thursday. Garrett said Smith seemed to be on the mend during the course of Monday's work.
"He seemed good, he did not participate much in the walkthrough today but hopefully as the week goes on he'll be able to play," Garrett said.
