The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason matchup against Arizona Cardinals turned into a body-bag affair Friday night.
Many Cowboys players were injured in the loss to State Farm Stadium on 19-16. Notable was Neville Gallimore (prospective starting defensive tackle), who suffered an elbow injury during the first half.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Gallimore suffered hypertension of his left elbow and was “in a lot of pain.” He’s scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine his prognosis.
This, at this writing, doesn’t sound good. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy stated after the game that Gallimore’s illness is being considered “significant.”
“But not sure yet of exact timeline,” cautioned beat writer Michael Gehlken. “Will be further evaluated in Dallas.”
The team — which broke training camp in Oxnard, Calif., earlier this week — is slated to arrive back in Texas early Saturday morning and “will have a lot of guys they need to look at,” per David Helman of the official Cowboys website.
Gallimore was not the only one who suffered injuries. Dallas also lost tight end Sean McKeon (ankle), Ty Nsekhe (knee), Malik Turner (foot) and Anthony Hines (elbow), at different points in the game.
McCarthy also reported that Randy Gregory, a defensive end/designated pass rusher, “returned home earlier” due to a foot problem that “mightn’t be too serious,” ESPN’s Todd Archer reported.
Gallimore was the 82nd overall draft pick in 2020. He started nine of 14 games as a rookie. Under Mike Nolan’s guidance, Gallimore was limited in his potential. He only recorded 28 tackles and four quarterback hits.
Nolan was gone, Dan Quinn came in, who seems to have revived Nolan — and the defense as a whole. Gallimore laughed about how the Cowboys found their new identity at camp.
“Last year it was difficult. There are many changes happening. Just growing pains and stuff like that, and I feel like this defense is allowing me the talent to be a top tier,” he said, via USA Today’s Brianna Dix. “So, that confidence is growing. The guys are on the same page. The guys are in it together. We are starting to believe in our own abilities and in each other. As we go through camp, continue to work hard, and keep going to camp, you will definitely notice a change. The change in culture is already happening.
If Gallimore is unable to continue, Dallas will likely retain Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins as primary DTs. It should be noted that the club is currently without DL Trysten Hills (knee), who remains listed on the Physically Unable To Perform list.
Gallimore’s absence will allow for more playing time for Osa Odighizuwa (rookie lineman) and Quinton Bohanna (non-lineman). As deep reserves, the Cowboys also have Justin Hamilton, Austin Faoliu, and Quinton Bohanna on their 90-player roster.