New York Jets vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview: Key players, injuries, and more

The New York Jets are set to take on the Dallas Cowboys this week as Gang Green searches for their first win of the season. Here is a complete preview of this Week 6 matchup.

The New York Jets will still be in search of their first win this week when they take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.

The Jets enter this matchup with an 0-4 record having looked like perhaps the worst team in the NFL over their last few outings. However, they will welcome back quarterback Sam Darnold who has been out for the last three games dealing with a case of mononucleosis.

Darnold will hopefully jump-start what has been an abysmal offensive unit so far for Gang Green. The Jets’ offense ranks dead last in most offensive categories including allowing the most sacks through five weeks despite having played one less game than most of the league.

Want your voice heard? Join the The Jet Press team!

Write for us!

The Cowboys will come into this game with a 3-2 record having lost their last two games after starting the year 3-0. Dallas will be looking to get back on the winning track against a down-on-their-luck Jets team.

Let’s discuss some key players to watch and take a look at the final injury report ahead of this Week 6 meeting.

Next: Jets Players to Watch

Jets Players to Watch

Sam Darnold, QB

The story of this game, at least from the Jets perspective, will undoubtedly be the return of young quarterback Sam Darnold who will be stepping back on to the field for the first time since Week 1. The Jets will be hoping that Darnold’s return provides some much-needed life to what has been a dull offense.

Third-string quarterback Luke Falk had been playing the majority of the last three games and it’s safe to say that former sixth-round pick didn’t find too much success. But with Darnold back in the fold, perhaps the offense could see some new life and head coach Adam Gase can open up the play-calling.

Jordan Jenkins, OLB

Darnold isn’t the only key member of the roster set to return this week as outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is expected to return after missing the majority of the last three games with a calf injury.

Jenkins will be joined by Brandon Copeland who is returning from suspension as the duo will hopefully help out a pass rush that has been lackluster through four games. On top of that, they might just be matched up against a pair of backup tackles as we’ll explain in just a moment.

Next: Cowboys Players to Watch

Cowboys Players to Watch

Cameron Fleming/Brandon Knight, OT

The Cowboys remain relatively healthy ahead of this matchup but they are expected to be without two key players along their dominant offensive line. Right tackle La’el Collins is not expected to play and left tackle Tyron Smith‘s status remains very much up in the air ahead of this game.

In their place, veteran backup Cameron Fleming and undrafted rookie Brandon Knight are expected to start. Fleming, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, has starting experience under his belt while Knight has played just 27 snaps in his career — all coming last week.

Expect the Jets to try and take advantage of this with numerous blitz packages from Gregg Williams’ defense.

Amari Cooper, WR

Amari Cooper has been dealing with an ankle injury that kept him limited in practice this week, but the star receiver does not have an injury designation and will play this week. That’s good news for Dallas but bad news for a struggling Jets secondary.

It’s unclear if Trumaine Johnson will continue to get the nod in the starting lineup but if so, the Jets could be in major trouble. Cooper finished last week with 11 catches for 226 yards and a touchdown completing a monster game.

Whether it’s Johnson, Darryl Roberts, or Nate Hairston in coverage, the Jets could be in for a long afternoon.

Next: Full Injury Report

Full Injury Report

Jets — Doubtful

Henry Anderson, Trenton Cannon, C.J. Mosley, Kelechi Osemele

The Jets are once again expected to be without linebacker C.J. Mosley as he recovers from his lingering groin injury while starting left guard Kelechi Osemele will miss another week dealing with a multitude of injuries. Expect Blake Cashman and Alex Lewis to start in their places again.

There are two new additions to the “doubtful” injury label this week as defensive lineman Henry Anderson injured his shoulder in last week’s game and is not expected to play.

Undrafted rookie Kyle Phillips should see additional snaps while Ty Montgomery is expected to take over for Trenton Cannon as the primary kick returner.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
• NY Jets: 3 non-quarterback trade targets on offense
• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year
• NY Jets: Patriots will not use the franchise tag on Joe Thuney
• NY Jets officially place the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye

Jets — Questionable

Josh Bellamy, Nate Hairston, Jordan Jenkins, Demaryius Thomas

The Jets have four players listed as questionable ahead of today’s matchup but all four are expected to play. Josh Bellamy has been listed as questionable the last few weeks but is yet to miss a game while Demaryius Thomas returned last week after missing Week 3.

Nate Hairston was added to the injury report this week after not playing in Week 5, however, he is expected to play in this game. It’s unclear if it will be in a starting role though. The biggest return, apart from Darnold, will be that of Jordan Jenkins who is likely to play for the first time since Week 2.

Cowboys — Questionable

Randall Cobb, La’el Collins, Tyron Smith

The Cowboys enter this game with only three players given an injury designation and none of the three are “doubtful” or “out.” However, starting right tackle La’el Collins is not expected to play as he deals with an MCL injury while left tackle Tyron Smith has been given a “slight” chance of playing.

Cameron Fleming is the top backup tackle and will fill in for Collins if Smith could go. If neither could play, expect Fleming to shift over to left tackle while the undrafted Brandon Knight starts at right tackle. As for Randall Cobb, the slot receiver is considered a game-time decision.