**Injury Woes Continue for Cowboys, Leading Tackler Kendricks Out for Sunday**

The injury woes for the Dallas Cowboys have reached new heights as the team faces another significant setback six weeks into the 2024 NFL season. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, who leads the team with 52 tackles, has been ruled out for Sunday's game due to calf and shoulder injuries. This comes on top of a list of other injured players, leaving the Cowboys in a precarious situation.

Adding to the team's struggles, Nick Vigil, Kendricks' backup and another defensive leader, is listed as questionable with a foot injury after missing practice on Friday. Head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that the final decision would likely come on Saturday following evaluations during their last practice.

"We'll take until Saturday, see how we come off the field tomorrow, obviously exercising everybody with a potential to play," McCarthy elaborated.

With Kendricks confirmed out and Vigil's status up in the air, the Cowboys are preparing to field replacements. Damone Clark is a primary candidate, having started the season strong with 11 tackles in the first two weeks, although his performance has waned since. Another option is Buddy Johnson, who has participated minimally this season, recording just one tackle.

Practice squad members Brock Mogenson and Darius Harris are also in consideration. McCarthy was particularly positive about Harris, noting his readiness and excellent performance in practice. Harris, formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, has not played in a regular season game since Week 14 of the 2023 season but has a background of 58 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his career.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones also mentioned Clark and Harris as potential defensive fill-ins for Sunday's game during an interview with 105.3 The Fan.

"Obviously, you got guys like Damone Clark who we're wanting to back in the groove, we've got [Darius] Harris, we've got a good group of guys there that hopefully can step up," Jones said.

Sunday's game poses a particular challenge for the injury-laden Cowboys as they face an explosive rushing offense led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who together have rushed for 556 yards in four games. With key defensive players such as Micah Parsons (ankle), Caelan Carson (shoulder), and DaRon Bland (foot) also either out or questionable, the team needs urgent solutions.

Trevon Diggs' full return to practice following an illness provides a glimmer of hope, yet the absence of established players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland adds to the defensive concerns that the Cowboys must address heading into Sunday's crucial match.