Cowboys key defensive piece enters locker room with injury

The Dallas Cowboys may have an injury concern for the playoffs as a key defensive player walked off the field to the locker room against the Philadelphia Eagles. Linebacker Keanu Neal appeared to be injured during the game, leaving Dallas with two linebackers active in Leighton Vander Esch and Luke Gifford.

Cowboys potentially lose defensive depth to injury

“Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal has walked off the sideline to the locker room,” reported Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken during their game Saturday night.

Neal’s injury wasn’t readily apparent, so it was unclear at the time if there was a serious concern or if his leaving was a precaution. On a play during the first half, Neal could be seen grasping at his arm after a tackle. If Neal’s arm was injured however, he did not come out of the game and didn’t appear to be affected.

If Neal is injured severely in any capacity, there will certainly be critics of head coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to leave his starters in the game for the second half. The Cowboys’ coach said before the game that they were looking to build momentum heading into the postseason, not looking to rest.

Shortly after going to the locker room, Neal was ruled out for the rest of the game with an arm injury.

Dak Prescott breaks Tony Romo’s franchise record

Prescott had a monster first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night as the Cowboys led 30-17 at halftime. Prescott completed 16 of his 21 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns in the first half. His passer rating came in at 152.8 for the first half.

His effort tied him with Tony Romo as the franchise’s season-record holder, when Romo recorded 36 passing touchdowns on the 2007 Dallas Cowboys team. With another touchdown in the second half, Prescott broke the record and now stands as the single-season passing touchdown leader with 37.

Prescott’s four-touchdown half was the second time this season that he put in a day’s work by halftime. Just two weeks ago against the Washington Football Team, Prescott and the Cowboys scored 42 points in the first half as Prescott finished the game on the sideline.

The Cowboys opted to play their starters in the final game of the season despite having secured their playoff spot and division title. Even with a win, Dallas will need a bit of help from other teams to rise up in seeding. Regardless of the injury risk though, Dallas is committed to building momentum as they enter the playoffs.