Wild Card weekend could hinge on these key injuries

Cowboys vs. Seahawks

Doug Baldwin has essentially been on the injury report all season but expect him to play and be effective this Saturday. Where Seattle may be vulnerable is in the secondary. When the two teams met earlier this year, Earl Thomas was healthy and Dallas had yet to acquire Amari Cooper. Now the Seahawks have two additional safeties (Bradley McDougald, Tedric Thompson) and CB Shaquill Griffin missing or limited in practice with ankle/foot injuries.

The Cowboys will have rookie sensation Leighten Vander Esch at essentially full strength after a leg contusion ruled him out late last week. Jaylon Smith has had a sensational season but the Seahawks could attack his weakness in space and change of direction from the residual of his college bowl game injury. Dallas’ biggest potential liability will be their offensive line which usually is their strength. Center Travis Frederick has been out all season. LT Tyron Smith has been battling neck/stinger issues which could recur at any time. RG Zach Martin reinjured his MCL recently. Guard Xavier Su’a-Filo has not practice with an ankle injury. Ezekiel Elliot is healthy but will he have the holes.