Eric Kendricks injury update: Dallas Cowboys rule out LB for Lions game

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks will be unavailable in the team’s matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday due to a shoulder injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Worse, Kendricks’ backup, Nick Vigil, is questionable with a foot injury.

Kendricks hasn’t participated in the team’s practices this week. Through the first five games of the season, Kendricks has registered 52 tackles (24 solo), including 2.0 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

Kendricks was pivotal in the Cowboys’ 20-17 win over the Steelers this past weekend, notching a team-high 10 tackles, including one tackle for loss. Earlier this week, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy raved about Kendricks’ importance to the Cowboys’ defense.

“He’s our quarterback,” McCarthy said. “He knows (the defense) inside and out. As far as a leadership perspective, getting the front set, the communication is outstanding and frankly he’s got so much experience in that defense. Super instinctive. Very aware. Very, very disciplined player.”

Eric Kendricks’ injury is only the Cowboys’ latest misfortune. The team has also been without standout EDGE Micah Parsons since he suffered a high ankle sprain in the Cowboys’ 20-15 win over the New York Giants on Sept. 26.

Additionally, the Cowboys lost defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a foot injury and placed rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland on injured reserve after he tore his meniscus against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In short, it’s been an uphill battle for the Cowboys’ defense this season. Nonetheless, they’ve made the most of what they’ve had available. The team is allowing 329.4 yards per game, still ranking No. 14 in the league.

With Kendricks out and Vigil questionable to play on Sunday, insiders expect the Cowboys to consider elevating linebacker Darius Harris from the practice squad. The organization already elevated Carl Lawson to the 53-man roster after placing Kneeland on the injured reserve.

The Dallas Cowboys will square off against the Lions at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. The game will air live on FOX.