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Imago

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Imago

There’s a weird truth about AT&T Stadium, a place Jerry Jones built to be a monument to Dallas Cowboys football. It’s the Green Bay Packers’ home away from home. They don’t lose there. Seriously. They’re a perfect 5-0 in the building, averaging a blistering 37.6 points per game. History says Sunday night should be another Green Bay victory lap. But history isn’t looking at this week’s injury report.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

CeeDee Lamb is out and replaced by Cropper. His ankle injury has sidelined the Cowboys’ top offensive threat, taking his 16 receptions and 222 yards with him. And he’s not the only one. Dallas faces significant concerns across multiple position groups heading into their upcoming matchup.

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The secondary is particularly banged up, with cornerbacks DaRon Bland dealing with a foot issue, Trikweze Bridges nursing a knee injury, and Trevon Diggs managing his own knee problem, though Bland and Bridges managed limited practice participation while Diggs did not participate. Guard Tyler Booker is also unavailable due to an ankle issue, creating potential protection concerns for the offensive line.

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For an offense that’s been humming, racking up the 4th-most yards in the league (393.7 per game), losing your primary weapon is heartbreaking.

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It throws the whole rhythm off. Can Dak Prescott keep cooking without his favorite target? That’s the multi-million dollar question in Dallas, especially when the other side of the ball has been so porous. The Cowboys’ defense is giving up a staggering 397.7 yds per game, third-worst in the NFL, with a pass defense that’s dead last.

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But here’s the rub: Green Bay is limping into town with its own legion of demons.The 

The Packers’ roster is full of injuries

While Dallas is missing its star pass-catcher, the Packers are facing a crisis with the guys who are supposed to protect their star QB. Green Bay faces multiple concerns across key positions heading into their matchup. Quarterback Jordan Love practiced fully all week despite a left thumb issue, suggesting he’ll be available. Running back Josh Jacobs managed limited participation with an ankle injury, while tight end Tucker Kraft dealt with knee and elbow problems but progressed to full participation.

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Guard Aaron Banks appears unlikely to play after missing all practice sessions with a groin injury and carrying a doubtful designation. Tackle Anthony Belton is ruled out with an ankle injury after limited initial participation. Tackle Zach Tom is also out, missing all week with an oblique issue.

But the Packers’ headache doesn’t stop there. Safety Javon Bullard remains questionable after progressing through the concussion protocol, moving from no participation to limited and then full practice. Multiple defensive linemen, including Karl Brooks with a foot injury, Devonte Wyatt dealing with a knee issue, and Micah Parsons nursing a back problem, dealt with various injuries throughout the week.

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Brooks showed steady improvement, progressing from limited to full participation by Friday. Wyatt remained limited all week with his knee issue, but appears likely to play. Parsons was restricted to limited practice sessions due to his back problem, creating some uncertainty about his availability and effectiveness.

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Parsons has been circling this game since Jones traded him away. He has been a menace, logging either a sack or at least 5 pressures in every single game this season. Now he gets to feast on his old team, facing a QB who’s already been pressured on 50 dropbacks this year, the 4th-most in the league.

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As if that weren’t enough, Dallas is unleashing Jadeveon Clowney for his Cowboys debut. When asked what he brings to the defense, Clowney’s answer was short and ominous. “A lot, man,” he said. “Just bringing my energy, my effort out there… let my play do the talking.” You can almost hear the cracking of pads already.

The Packers’ coaching staff knows this isn’t the same old Dallas team they’ve dominated for a decade. With a new O-scheme under Brian Schottenheimer, Green Bay is walking in blind. “Different scheme, they’re asking guys to do different things,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur admitted Wednesday, conceding they are “starting from scratch” in their preparation.

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Written by

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Namish Monga

1,290 Articles

Namish Monga is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports, specializing in visual storytelling where he blends data with narrative to create immersive sports coverage. With a background in mass communication, Namish uses compelling infographics and data visualizations to bring NFL stories to life. He is also known for his mentorship of new writers and his sharp eye for detail.

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Cristin Varghese

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