More good news coming out of Dallas as it pertains to the health of the team as preparations begin for not only the matchup in Washington but more importantly, the playoffs
FRISCO, TX — Getting healthy at the right time can go a long way for the Dallas Cowboys’ hopes of making a much-needed postseason run this season. Having been on the receiving end of plenty of bad news regarding injuries over the course of December, the team is now the beneficiary of some good tidings — this time involving offensive lineman Matt Farniok.
The loss of starting right tackle Terrence Steele forced eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyrone Smith to move to the right side of the offensive line, a position he had not played since his rookie season in 2011. , and a high ankle sprain on middle Tyler last week against the Tennessee Titans left Biadaz in much of a shuffle.
Farniuk, the second-year center selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, will have his 21-day practice window open by the Cowboys when practices get underway on Wednesday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy, and not a moment later.
It’s still likely Biadaz is back for the playoffs, yes, but the injury to Steele and Biadaz highlights the need for depth on the offensive front – something the Cowboys have lacked all season before now.
Farniuk suffered a torn hamstring in October that landed him on injured reserve, and his absence from the matchup against the Washington Commanders in the regular season finale would again prompt left guard Connor McGovern to move to center.
That move created a vacuum that pulled rookie first-round pick Tyler Smith to left guard and installed nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters at the left tackle spot.
It’s a lot of movement, but it’s also something the Cowboys prepared themselves for when they worked through several different OL variations over the past several games (and in practice). Still, if Farniuk is able to return for the playoffs, it would theoretically allow McGovern and [young] Smith to return to their base positions to allow Farniuk to be insurance for Biadaz.
Farniuk will have three weeks to prove he is physically ready to return, or the Cowboys will send him back to season-ending injured reserve, this time around.
