The Dallas Cowboys’ injury report is as packed as it’s been in quite some time following Wednesday’s initial practice for Week 5. The team returned to the practice field at The Star coming off their dominating 38-3 win over the New England Patriots and more than ready to turn their attention over to the San Francisco 49ers who they’ll face on Sunday Night Football.
There were 11 players listed on the report, including eight who missed practice entirely for a variety of reasons. And while several of those eight were out for a veteran’s rest day, three of those five also had an injury noted which means they are nicked up, too. Meanwhile on the San Francisco 49ers sideline, things are a little cleaner, but not by much.
Six 49ers missed practice on Wednesday and two more had limited participation as they look to stretch their unbeaten streak to five to begin the 2023 season. Here’s a look at all the players who were given a designation.
Is play-action passing killing the Cowboys offense?
In the same way whipped cream makes pumpkin pie better, presents make Christmas better and hot sauce makes virtually everything better, play-action passing makes NFL aerial attacks better. It’s a tried-and-true wrinkle for offenses to gain separation on routes and boost overall expected points.
Yet, in a bizarre turn of events, play-action passing, a near universal cheat code for an NFL offense, is somehow failing in Dallas. The Cowboys are finding a way to defy odds and actually perform worse with play-action than without it.
And it isn’t for lack of trying. The Cowboys have used play-action 51 times with Dak Prescott this season. That equates to 29 percent of his drop backs. It’s resulted in just 5.4 yards per attempt, a 1:1 TD-to-INT split and three sacks.
Play action passing represents Prescott’s lowest passer rating this season. It’s a stark contrast from 2022 when play action represented his highest passer rating.
In fact, the only time in Prescott’s career where his numbers have been worse with play-action, was his injury-shortened season in 2020. All other campaigns he’s had markedly better numbers when using play-action compared to non-play action.
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