Report: Cowboys left guard Connor McGovern suffers high ankle sprain

The Dallas Cowboys suffered several injuries during their loss tonight to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s was most notable with a hand injury, but left guard Connor McGovern left in the first drive while safety Jayron Kearse left with a leg injury.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, McGovern’s injury has now been diagnosed as a high ankle sprain.

Cowboys LG Connor McGovern suffered what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain tonight vs. Buccaneers, a person familiar with situation said. More info following team’s 19-3 loss: https://t.co/RCNZvaAX91

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 12, 2022

After getting his ankle rolled up on, he did not return to the 19-3 loss to Tampa Bay. The Cowboy’s offensive line was already short-handed and it only got worse in McGovern’s absence. Dallas’ offensive line gave up four sacks overall in the game.

Prescott’s injury is obviously the most important to Dallas’ season. However, the left guard could be crucial if the Cowboy’s offense, specifically the line, doesn’t improve from this performance.

Connor McGovern exits first drive of season with injury

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line suffered a loss early in their season opener after guard Connor McGovern left the field with an injury. McGovern had his right ankle rolled over from behind as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender was blocked on top of him.

Connor McGovern took a shot to the back of his right ankle pic.twitter.com/RlwoiBQBVo

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 12, 2022

McGovern was unable to walk off the field under his own power, and the injury appeared to be a severe one as he was taken directly into the locker room without an examination on the bench. He was helped by a pair of Dallas staffers into the locker room, unable to walk under his own power.

The injury leaves Dallas with a significant lack of experience and depth on their offensive line on top of the loss of left tackle Tyron Smith. Replacing McGovern during the game was Matt Farniok, as the first Dallas drive of the game resulted in a made field goal for a 3-0 lead.

Later during the quarter, the broadcast revealed that Dallas was calling the injury a right ankle injury and that McGovern’s return to the game was questionable.