Andy Dalton was knocked out of the Cowboys 25-3 loss to the Washington Football Team. Bostic, the 29-year old linebacker for Washington, threw himself in Dalton as the quarterback slide before reaching the first down marker. Bostic was ejected from the game for his hit on Dalton.
According to Cowboys reporter, Michael Gehlken, Dalton has not “progressed” this week.
“Cowboys QB Andy Dalton attended this morning’s team meeting, but he hasn’t progressed enough in concussion protocol to attend position meetings. Won’t practice today. Mike McCarthy doesn’t expect him available until “end of the week at the earliest. Onward with Ben DiNucci.”
Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Dalton was a part of the team’s concussion protocol.
“This is the first concussion for Cowboys’ QB Andy Dalton, who is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol,” tweeted Schefter. “Dalton has been durable throughout his career, but took a vicious blow Sunday and is now questionable for Sunday vs. the Eagles.”
The Athletic’s Jon Machota confirms that the 2020 seventh-round pick in DiNucci could start next week against the Eagles.
“Andy Dalton has a concussion. He’s in protocol for the week to come. Rookie Ben DiNucci could be the Cowboys’ starting QB next Sunday against the Eagles.”
DiNucci finished the game against Washington 2 of 3 for 39 yards passing and added one carry for zero yards. DiNucci already has big shoes to fill. Dalton was filling in for Dak Prescott, who was knocked out two weeks ago with a season-ending injury. Since then, the Cowboys have found the endzone just once.
With a date with the first-place Eagles next week, this game could make or break the season for the Cowboys.