Washington Football Team star pass rusher out vs. Dallas Cowboys on Sunday

The Dallas Cowboys have one less thing to worry about heading into Sunday’s rivalry clash vs. the Washington Football Team.

According to NFL Insider Ian Rappaport, Washington star pass rusher Montez Sweat—who was slated to return from an injury that has kept him sidelined for weeks— tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t make his return vs. Dallas as many believed.

“Washington Football Team star pass-rusher Montez Sweat tested positive for COVID-19 and he won’t play on Sunday. Because Sweat is unvaccinated, he’s out 10 days,” Rappaport tweeted on Wednesday.

“That gives him at least a chance to play Week 15 vs. the Eagles.”

While the Dallas Cowboys are still the favorite to clinch the NFC East, they are preparing for a divisional matchup that is far from a cakewalk. Ron Rivera has tapped into magic with an old-school approach on offense, focused on eating possessions through the run game and capitalizing on play-action opportunities.

Last Sunday, Ron Rivera and company went to Vegas and knocked off the same Raiders’ team the Dallas Cowboys fell to on Thanksgiving, so Sunday’s matchup will be a battle.

Sweat is a force for any offensive linemen. Before the injury that has kept him off the field for the last four weeks, the former Mississippi State star had four sacks, a forced fumble and was constantly in opposing backfields harassing the quarterback.

Dallas Cowboys getting healthier for Washington matchup

While Washington prepares to host Dallas with a team that looks largely than the roster Ron Rivera and company envisioned heading into 2021, Dallas has been hit has hard as any team when it comes to injuries to key players and COVID issues forcing absences.

Three players were brought back from the COVID-19 reserve list earlier this week, including offensive tackle Terrence Steele, tight end Blake Jarwin and wide receiver TJ Vasher. Meanwhile, with the moves, wide receiver Robert Foster was moved back to the practice squad.

Getting Steele back remains a significant storyline for the Cowboys, whose offensive line could use the extra help. Steele, a Texas Tech alum, has been a consistent starter for Dallas and figures to return to that role this week against Washington.