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Washington Redskins: Injuries create proving ground vs. Cowboys

By Donny Starr

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins stretches the ball out after the tackle attempt of defensive end Allen Bailey #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images )
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins stretches the ball out after the tackle attempt of defensive end Allen Bailey #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images ) /
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When the Washington Redskins play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in a Week 8 rivalry matchup, it’s going to be an ugly one.

This is not about who matches up with who on the field. This is about the Washington Redskins, the beat up version. Cornerback Josh Norman (ribs) is still questionable. Linebacker Mason Foster will head to the injured reserve list with a torn labrum. Should he opt for a surgery, that’s the season for him.

On the offense, left tackle Trent Williams (knee) didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday, so don’t expect for him to be in on every snap. There’s no update on right guard Brandon Scherff (MCL). All of this is to say that the Week 8 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys won’t be with a full-strength Washington squad — quite the opposite.

But there’s work being done to shore up the breaks in the wall. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Redskins signed offensive tackle Orlando Franklin and guard Arie Kouandjio off the Baltimore Raven’s practice squad.

Fans should expect a different team Sunday vs. the Cowboys. The opportunity for some unknown players to step out on the field and do great things has now presented itself. This is why teams draft at all positions. This is what makes teams great: having a deep bench. Fans were pleased to see the depth at wide receiver and running back. But now the question is, can the offensive line keep Kirk Cousins protected?

More bootlegs could help solve the issue, something he’s accustomed to, along with utilizing the read option. If there’s any good thing to come from this game (besides a win), it will be Cousins rising to the occasion and showing everyone he can manage the team on the field no matter who shows up for work.

Next: NFL Week 8: One burning question for each team

The Monday night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles makes Sunday’s game bigger than it already was (come on, it’s Dallas). If the Redskins can pull off a win Sunday, it will show the NFC East that the team is more modular than previously thought.

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