IRVING, Texas - For a team that has been banged up the last two seasons and even dealing with a few setbacks in the preseason and training camp, the Cowboys were able to make it through Sunday's season opener with the 49ers fairly healthy.
Like any game, especially one against a physical team such as San Francisco, there are always injuries and the biggest issue the Cowboys will deal with this week involves linebacker Justin Durant.
The starting weak-side linebacker who tied for the team lead with eight tackles along with a pass deflection, which was actually a dropped interception, had to leave the game with a groin injury in the fourth quarter.
Durant's injury forced middle linebacker Rolando McClain, who also had eight tackles, to call the defenses. Kyle Wilber and rookie Anthony Hitchens both played some snaps with Durant out late in the game.
The Cowboys also lost newly-signed safety C.J. Spillman to a groin injury in the game. [embedded_ad]
"We evaluated them last night and evaluated them again today, and they're really going to be day by day," head coach Jason Garrett said Monday. "They both got treatment this morning. They're getting their rehab. Hopefully, they respond well to that and will be able to practice later this week."
Dez Bryant had to leave the game with dehydration issues, but returned shortly. He also took a big hit to his lower back on Romo's first interception but was able to get back in the game on the ensuing series.
The Cowboys are also hopeful defensive tackle Terrell McClain will be able to play his first game of the season Sunday in Tennessee. McClain suffered a high-ankle sprain early in camp back in late July and missed all four preseason games. Although he practiced on a limited basis last week, McClain was deactivated for the game. Henry Melton was also limited in his Cowboys debut Sunday after missing all of the preseason with a groin injury, on top of his rehab from a torn ACL injury last season in Chicago.
