In this Week 12 Thanksgiving Day matchup where the 6-4 Dallas Cowboys will host the 3-7 Miami Dolphins, the Cowboys will once again play in their annual game on this festive Thursday holiday. In a game that has both teams looking for their fourth consecutive victory, both teams also have several key injuries that may factor into this game.
Out for Dolphins: K Dan Carpenter
For the second straight game, Carpenter will be out with a right groin injury. Starting in his place will be Shayne Graham, who made all five of his extra point attempts in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.
Out for Cowboys: WR Miles Austin, FB Tony Fiammetta, CB Mike Jenkins, QB Jon Kitna
This will be Austin's third straight missed game with a hamstring injury, Fiammetta's eighth straight missed game with an illness, and Jenkins' fourth straight game missed with a hamstring injury. Although Kitna's injury is not too important for the Cowboys, Dallas unsuccessfully tried to claim waived Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, which definitely puts into question the seriousness of his injury.
Doubtful for Dolphins: None
Doubtful for Cowboys: None
Questionable for Dolphins: G Ryan Cook, DT Igor Olshansky
Questionable with a calf injury, Olshansky might miss out on his chance to play against his former team from the past two seasons. Cook was a full practice participant on Tuesday but his status for the game is still uncertain.
Questionable for Cowboys: RB Felix Jones, G Kyle Kosier, S Gerald Sensabaugh
In what would have probably been a devastating injury earlier in the season, the questionable status for Jones is not too important now that rookie DeMarco Murray is the starter at running back. Both Jones and Kosier were limited in practice but should play this Thursday. Sensabaugh wore a protective boot this week after spraining his right foot, so Barry Church may receive his first start of his career.
Probable for Dolphins: None
Probable for Cowboys: LB Sean Lee, P Mat McBriar
Lee is now listed as probable, as he is still dealing with his wrist injury. In his second game back with the team against the Washington Redskins, Lee played like his usual self with 10 total tackles and looks to be back to form. McBriar's nerve problem in his left foot will be something he has to deal with for the rest of the season. Both men were full participants in practice and with both play this Thursday.
Sources:
Dolphins-Cowboys Preview, Yahoo! Sports
NFL Injuries, Yahoo! Sports
Shayne Graham Profile, Yahoo! Sports
Source: Cowboys had put in claim for Kyle Orton, ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth
Ryan Cook News and Notes, Yahoo! Sports
Cowboys safety Barry Church to fill in if Gerald Sensabaugh can't play, The Dallas Morning News
Sean Lee Game Log, Yahoo! Sports
More from this contributor:
TV Schedule for Week 12 of 2011-2012 NFL Season
49ers FB Miller's Absence in Inaugural HarBowl is Huge Loss: Fan's Take
Five 49ers with Great Games in 23-7 Win Over Cardinals: Fan's Take
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers Week 11 Injury Report Assessment: Fan's Preview
2011 NFL Teams with Toughest Strength of Schedule from Weeks 11-17: Fan's Take
Austin Chang is a lifelong football fan, San Francisco 49ers supporter, and contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @_austinchang.
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