The Dallas Cowboys are facing another key injury. This time, wide receiver Miles Austin figures to be out for at least a couple of weeks. Austin injured his right hamstring against the Seattle Seahawks on November 6. The injury is serious enough that Austin should miss at least a couple of weeks and could miss up to a month. This could me a major blow for a team that is already been banged up the skill positions. The Cowboys have a chance to move up the standings but it might be more difficult without Austin.
Austin sustained his injury in the second quarter of the game against Seattle. Sadly for Dallas, the injury came after a big play. Austin made a 37 yard reception on the play he got hurt. That was one of the biggest plays of the season for the receiver. He did not return to the game after the injury. Dallas has already ruled him out for the November 13 game against the Buffalo Bills and expect him to miss at least one other game. Austin will likely be evaluated after that on a regular basis as the team tries to determine when he can return. Without Austin, the Cowboys will look to Laurent Robinson to start at receiver opposite Dez Bryant. Robinson is a fine player but he is not the threat that Austin is.
Austin has had an interesting season so far. He caught four touchdown passes in the first two games for the Cowboys. However, he has not scored a touchdown since that time. Austin also missed two games early in the season with an injury. This will be the second time he misses action this year, meaning his 2011 season could be in jeopardy if he doesn't completely heal.
While Austin has not been Tony Romo's main target lately, he still represents a major part of the offense. Without Austin, teams will plan to defend Dallas differently. Buffalo has one of the most fearsome pass defenses in the league. With one less target to find, Romo could be in trouble. For a team that is 4-4, the Buffalo game will be critical in shaping the second half of the season. Winning without Austin and the already injured Felix Jones won't be easy.
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