Dallas Cowboys slot defender Jourdan Lewis will not participate in football activities for the remainder of the preseason. During Dallas’ joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers, the six-year veteran injured his hamstring.
Lewis is on pace to suit up in the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been making solid progress in his recovery and feels confident being ready for the start of the 2022 campaign.
Jourdan Lewis (hamstring) tells me he resumed running today and is on track for Week 1 when #Cowboys host #Buccaneers.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 24, 2022
Dallas’ Current Status With Lewis’ Injury
The Cowboys never planned to play Jourdan Lewis in any preseason contests. “America’s Team” holds a 1-1 record in their scrimmages and play their final game this Friday versus the Seattle Seahawks. If Lewis returns for Week 1, the nickel cornerback joins a defense that exceeded expectations in 2021.
The defensive back depth for the Dallas Cowboys is the most threatening element on their defense. All-Pro Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown highlight the corners, with Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker leading the safeties.
With Lewis’ absence, fifth-round pick DaRon Bland has earned more reps and an increased workload. The rookie DB has impressed Dallas’ coaching staff and has made a great impact in practices. Kelvin Joseph is another option, along with Nahshon Wright fighting for a chance on the 53-man roster.
No Jourdan Lewis (hamstring) and rookie DaRon Bland working as the first-team nickel corner. They kept Anthony Brown outside.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 23, 2022
What Could Happen If Jourdan Lewis Goes Down?
On the Cowboys depth chart, Bland is behind Lewis in the nickel cornerback position. If the veteran DB struggle, Jerry Jones could move on from the former Michigan Wolverine. Although the 2017 third-round pick signed a three-year, $13.5 million extension before the 2021 campaign, his release would result in a cap relief of roughy $5 million and $1.17 million in dead money.
Do Not Doubt Jourdan Lewis
Do not doubt the man. Lewis had a career year in 2021, allowing 41 catches on 61 targets for 471 yards and 225 yards after the catch. He added three interceptions and an opponent passer rating of 74.5. TouchdownWire ranked him the third-best slot defender in the NFL going into the 2022 season.
Having Jourdan Lewis is an automatic boost for Dan Quinn’s defense. The Dallas squad led the NFL in turnovers, interceptions, and points scored.
Mike McCarthy’s group has to face the Bucs, Bengals, and Rams in the first five weeks of the season. If Lewis suits up and is ready to roll, the Cowboys have a better shot getting off to a hot start to the new year.
