At one point Sunday night, the Cowboys didn't even have enough healthy cornerbacks to run a regular nickel defense. And it wasn't just three cornerbacks injured, but the top three.
The latest setback there is the right ankle injury to Orlando Scandrick, which appears to be serious enough to sideline him for Sunday's game with the 49ers, if not a few more.
Jason Garrett didn't provide much perspective on Scandrick's injury during his Monday press conference, stating the team is still awaiting word on the MRI results.
"We don't have an update on Orlando's condition right now," Garrett said. "We are still waiting to hear back on some of the medical reports on him. We're optimistic. We also have to have contingency plans in place."
But even if Scandrick is out this week, it'll be interesting to see the health status of both Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins. Newman has missed all of the preseason with a groin injury but appeared to get closer to returning last week. Jenkins had all sorts of problems getting through the game, dealing with neck and knee setbacks that he not only took into the game, but then added to his problems with a few more dings Sunday night.
Garrett did say the Cowboys have had several "ongoing discussions" about possibly adding cornerback help this week if Scandrick doesn't play.
As for Scandrick, he suffered the injury midway through the second quarter and was carted off the field for X-rays. Moments later, he sprinted out on the field with an intention of returning to the field, but was held back by the athletic trainers. After halftime, Scandrick was in street clothes, wearing a boot.
The Cowboys have Bryan McCann and Alan Ball – who were the only two healthy corners at one point, and could possibly move up Mario Butler from the practice squad. Butler is an undrafted rookie free agent from Georgia Tech.
