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Todd Archer, ESPN writer
WASHINGTON DC — With right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs ruled out for Sunday’s game due to injuries, the Dallas Cowboys will be left without more than $100 million in cap space when they face the Washington Commanders.
Martin was listed as doubtful and unlikely to play due to ankle and shoulder injuries and did not practice during the week. Diggs was listed as questionable with groin and knee injuries after participating in two limited workouts on Thursday and Friday.
The Cowboys already have quarterback Dak Prescott ($44.6 million), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence ($20.4 million) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks ($10 million) on injured reserve. Martin counts $15.5 million against the cap, while Diggs counts $15.3 million.
Cooks had his practice window open to return from a knee issue last week, but he was not added to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Tackle Chuma Edoga (toe) and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) were activated from injured reserve on Saturday and both are expected to play against the Commanders.
The Cowboys created the spots by placing safety Markquese Bell on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and waiving defensive end KJ Henry.
With Diggs out, the Cowboys still haven’t had their top three cornerbacks play in a game this year. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland will make his season debut Sunday after missing the first 10 games due to surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. Nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis will return to the lineup Sunday after a weeklong absence with a neck injury.
With Martin out, TJ Bass will replace him. Two other linemen, left tackle Tyler Guyton and left guard Tyler Smith, have dealt with injuries this week. Martin’s availability for the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the New York Giants is also in question as he has dealt with ankle and shoulder injuries.
The Cowboys elevated tight end Princeton Fant from the practice squad with Jake Ferguson (concussion) out. Cornerback Kemon Hall also was elevated for the second straight game.
