Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy provided multiple injury updates prior to Saturday’s scrimmage “Blue and White Practice”, with perhaps the most significant one being on safety Israel Mukuamu, claiming that he “is going to miss some time.”
McCarthy didn’t disclose specifics on Mukuamu, saying that the team is “learning as we go.” The Cowboys coach did anticipate he didn’t expect the fourth-year safety to be ready to go on Monday either.
Although the specifics of the injury remain unknown, a long absence could represent a strong hit for Mukuamu’s chances at the 53-man roster.
Mukuamu, who has played both cornerback and safety for the Cowboys, spent most of the spring workouts working with the reserves, positioning himself as a potential roster cut and someone who needs a strong training camp and preseason to make the team.
He’s gotten buried on what could arguably be called the Cowboys’ deepest unit. With last year’s rise of Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell, Izzy needs to prove to the coaching staff that he’s valuable enough as a special teamer and as a versatile DB for the team to go long and keep five safeties.
If Mukuamu’s injury keeps him off the field for a good chunk of camp and even preseason games, he might not even get enough chances to prove himself. He needs every single rep he can get and it will be highly important for him to get back on the football field.
If you had to put together a 53-man roster projection today, chances are the smartest bet would be to leave Izzy’s name off of it. Here’s hoping he gets an opportunity to at least make his case.