Ever since the start of training camp, the Cowboys have had one of those seasons on the defensive line.
Players have gotten hurt in droves, leading the team to lose some for the season and come up with patchwork solutions for the absence of others for shorter periods of time. Defensive end DeMarcus Ware is one of those in the latter group, having missed the last three games with an injured quad that appears to have healed up enough for him to return for this week’s matchup with the Saints.
Since it is one of those seasons, though, Ware’s return may be matched with the loss of others up front. Defensive tackle Jason Hatcher has not practiced all week after suffering a stinger against the Vikings and Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Hatcher said he won’t jeopardize the rest of the season just to play in this week’s game. The Cowboys have a bye in Week 11, which would give Hatcher another week to recover before the team’s next game.
Defensive tackle Nick Hayden was held out of practice Thursday with a back injury that limited him on Wednesday, opening up the possibility of the Cowboys being down a pair of defensive linemen against Drew Brees. If they can’t play, there’s a good chance newly signed Everett Dawkins could see action. He would be the 17th defensive lineman to see action for the Cowboys this season.