Dallas Cowboys

Injuries widen Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl window

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Two major injuries suffered by contending NFL teams widen the Super Bowl window for the 11-1 Dallas Cowboys as they approach the postseason.

As arguably the most physical sport in the world, injuries are a common problem for teams in the NFL. And the Dallas Cowboys are not immune to it. Before every game, the Cowboys will have numerous players show up on their official injury report, as well as many others playing dinged-up throughout the season.

But the truth is, injuries suffered by certain players can change the outcome of the season for a franchise. For both good and bad. As an example, the Cowboys posted a 12-4 record in 2014. But the following year, they put up a mirror-opposite 4-12 record mainly due to two separate collarbone injuries suffered by starting quarterback Tony Romo.

Injuries can change the trajectory of NFL teams, for a season or even longer. And it now appears it has done so for two of the Cowboys main opponents moving forward: The 10-2 New England Patriots and the 8-3-1 Seattle Seahawks.

Over the weekend it was announced that Patriots’ All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski would be placed on Injured Reserve due to back surgery. The four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion is a game changer when he is on the field. And at times, uncoverable. Gronk has posted a whopping 26 touchdowns in two and a half seasons.

Without Gronkowski in their lineup, New England is far less effective offensively. And, in turn, the Patriots are far less likely to make it to the Super Bowl out of the AFC.

For the 11-1 Cowboys, the Seahawks were seen by many as their biggest obstacle to overcome in the upcoming playoffs. But Seattle suffered a major blow on Sunday when their All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas had to be carted off the field after suffering a broken tibia. Thomas is expected to miss the rest of the regular season and the playoffs due to the devastating injury. Through 11 games, he’s had 48 total tackles, 10 pass defends and two interceptions.

Obviously, there are still four weeks of regular season games to be played until the postseason begins. And anything can happen between now and then. But as of today, it appears the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl window has cracked a little wider due to these recent injuries.

Unfortunately, that injury pendulum swings both ways. The Cowboys must remain relatively healthy themselves in order to take advantage of the rare opportunity that lies ahead of them.