Mike McCarthy provides injury update on Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton’s remains in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit from Jon Bostic

Bostic wasn’t suspended for the hit in a controversial decision from the NFL. Dalton wasn’t exactly lighting it up since unexpectedly stepping in for Dak Prescott three weeks ago, but surely he’s a better option than Ben DiNucci. Despite his poor play, the injury to Dalton puts the Cowboys in a precarious spot heading into a critical NFC East matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Per Mike McCarthy, Dalton is spending time at the team facility, but remains in concussion protocol as per NFL rules. He’ll remain there until at least after Sunday’s game against Philly, despite the magnitude of the moment.

Can the Cowboys survive without Andy Dalton?

That answer isn’t so simple. Dallas’ defense under Mike Nolan is the worst in football, so there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to stop the Eagles next week. A loss would prove detrimental to their playoff hopes.

The Cowboys offense should be run-heavy without Dalton, but they’ll want to get their receiving trio of CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup involved one way or another. As talented as Ezekiel Elliott is, he’s not enough to win a game on his own despite his bell-cow status.

Yet, if there’s any team that can match the Cowboys’ ineptitude, it’s the Eagles. Carson Wentz is a shell of himself, and the receivers at his disposal aren’t much better even as their health improves. Perhaps DiNucci will prove more capable than expected, but until then Dalton’s absence will be felt especially hard in Big D.