The absence of quarterback Jalen Hurts looms large over today’s highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Hurts, who was ruled out earlier this week due to a concussion, leaves a significant void in the Eagles’ lineup. However, the Cowboys’ inactives list, released 90 minutes before kickoff, also features several notable names that could influence the game’s outcome.

One of the most impactful absences for Dallas is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday, Lamb’s name doesn’t appear on the inactives list, as he’s no longer part of the 53-man roster. His absence creates a significant challenge for the Cowboys’ offense, which will need to adjust to losing one of its most dynamic playmakers.

Cowboys Inactives List

Here’s the full rundown of players unavailable for Dallas in today’s game:

• CB Kemon Hall
• RB Deuce Vaughn
• OL T.J. Bass
• OL Matt Waletzko
• TE Princeton Fant
• DE Tyrus Wheat
• DT Justin Rogers

Key Takeaways from the Cowboys’ Inactives

1. Asim Richards Activated and Ready to Contribute

Backup tackle Asim Richards, who was recently activated off Injured Reserve, is now available for the game. Richards’ return is intriguing, particularly as the Cowboys continue to grapple with their left tackle situation. The team had been experimenting with Richards at left tackle earlier this season, and his activation might hint at a potential opportunity to rejoin the rotation.

This development adds another layer of complexity to the offensive line’s dynamics, especially given the puzzling handling of first-round rookie Tyler Guyton. Despite being highly touted, Guyton has been benched in favor of Chuma Edoga, raising questions about the Cowboys’ long-term plans for their offensive line. Richards could emerge as a critical piece in the ongoing reshuffle.

2. The Absence of T.J. Bass Raises Concerns

T.J. Bass, the team’s top backup guard, is one of the most significant names on the inactives list. With Bass sidelined, depth along the interior offensive line could become a pressing concern if injuries occur during the game. The Cowboys will need their starters to hold up, as their options for shuffling players mid-game are now more limited.

3. Deuce Vaughn’s Future in Doubt

Running back Deuce Vaughn’s continued absence raises questions about his future with the team. Vaughn has seen little involvement in the offense this season, and his omission from what many consider a relatively low-stakes game may signal that the Cowboys are ready to move on from the rookie. Despite his explosive potential in college, Vaughn has struggled to carve out a meaningful role in Dallas.

4. Justin Rogers Still Finding His Footing

Rookie defensive tackle Justin Rogers, signed to the roster just over a week ago, is a healthy scratch for today’s game. While his exclusion isn’t entirely surprising, it does highlight the challenges of integrating a new player into an already complex defensive system. Rogers remains a developmental prospect, and his future contributions will likely depend on his progress during practice.

The Impact on the Eagles

As for the Philadelphia Eagles, their inactives list will also play a crucial role in shaping the game. With Jalen Hurts unavailable, the Eagles are expected to rely on backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to lead the offense. This shift in leadership could significantly affect Philadelphia’s game plan, potentially making them lean more heavily on their ground game and short-passing strategies.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys’ inactives list underscores the ongoing challenges the team faces with depth and roster management. From the uncertainty surrounding their offensive line to the dwindling future prospects of players like Deuce Vaughn, today’s matchup presents more than just a battle for victory—it’s also a test of how well Dallas can adapt to adversity. Meanwhile, the Eagles, grappling with the absence of their star quarterback, will need to make similar adjustments.

Both teams have a lot on the line, and these inactives will undoubtedly influence the flow and outcome of the game. As fans and analysts await kickoff, the storylines surrounding these absences add an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling NFC East showdown.