ARLINGTON, Texas – Geoff Swaim won't be available for the Cowboys in Monday night's matchup against Tennessee.
It had been doubtful that the veteran tight end would be able to get past his sprained knee in time for kickoff, but the Cowboys made it official when they released their Week 9 inactives.
Along with Swaim, the Cowboys announced that Mike White, Tavon Austin, Joe Thomas, Xavier Su'a-Filo, Randy Gregory and David Irving are also inactive.
The Swaim news is particularly noteworthy, as the Cowboys simply don't employ any other experienced tight ends on their roster.
Blake Jarwin has started two games this season, when the Cowboys have opened in two tight end personnel, and Rico Gathers started one game when they opened in three tight end personnel. Rookie Dalton Schultz has been inactive for the vast majority of the season, but he did catch a pass for 12 yards in the Washington game.
Jarwin has played just 28 percent of the Cowboys' snaps this season, while Gathers has played 11 percent and Schultz has played just five percent. How the coaching staff elects to use them in Swaim's absence will be something to watch.
Gregory and Irving were two other names to watch in the buildup to this game. Gregory underwent a scope on his knee following the loss to Washington. There had been optimism that he might recover in time for this game, but without him available the Cowboys will instead likely ask Tyrone Crawford to play some defensive end to offset the injury.
Irving injured his ankle during practice this week and was ruled out. With him sitting out, it'll likely mean increased snaps for both Daniel Ross and Caraun Reid behind the starting duo of Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods.
Austin is once again inactive as he recuperates from a groin injury, and Thomas is still recovering from a foot injury. White and Su'a-Filo have been healthy scratches all season long.
