The Dallas Cowboys started off the 2024 NFL season with a bang on Sunday. They went on the road to play the Cleveland Browns, defeating them 33-17. The Cowboys had a lot of extra noise coming from the team this offseason but that didn't affect them on the field. Now that they are 1-0, the focus now shifts to Week 2 as the Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints. Before the week of practice begins, there is already concerning news coming from New Orleans.
Minor hamstring injury for Marshon Lattimore, per source, echoing what he said last night. Does he play this week? To be determined, but major matchup against CeeDee Lamb on the horizon
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore is dealing with a minor hamstring injury. Lattimore left late in the Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers after finishing with two total tackles. The fact that the Saints' No. 1 corner is dealing with something spells great things for the Cowboys. On Aug. 26, Dallas agreed to terms on a four-year, $136 million deal with CeeDee Lamb, making him the second-highest-paid receiver in the league.
Now Lamb may be lining up against either an injured Lattimore or Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. That would be a major advantage for Dallas. Even if Lattimore was 100%, the edge would still go to Lamb. Just last season, the Oklahoma product finished with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had eight games over 100 yards receiving.
In his lone game against New Orleans in 2021, Lamb logged seven catches for 89 yards. He'll look to top those numbers on Monday and will have a great chance to do so with Lattimore not being 100% entering the tilt.
Saints Defensive Woes
The Cowboys may be facing a weakened Saints defense in Week 2. The Saints have a number of players dealing with injuries, including Lattimore. The Saints also have a couple of guys listed as questionable, and two of them will be critical to New Orleans’ chances on Sunday. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler and the leader of the Saints secondary did not participate once in practice this week. Despite this, there is rumored optimism in their building that he will play without practicing. Behind Lattimore, in terms of significance, is Tackle Taliese Fuaga. The Saints first round pick in April, Fuaga is a key player on their offensive line despite his youth, and it is a real possibility he will miss Week 2. Fuaga’s only day of practice was Wednesday, when he was limited. Thursday and Friday were both listed as did not participate. In the front seven, Isaiah Foskey, Bryan Bresee, and Jaylan Ford are all questionable. The three are all depth pieces for the Saints defense, but Bresee in particular could be a big loss for the inner-defensive line.
Lattimore's Injury History
Lattimore has a history of hamstring injuries dating back to his time at Ohio State. In 2014, he tore his left hamstring and missed the entire season after undergoing surgery. He missed 10 games the following season with the same injury. Fast forward to 2019 and Lattimore missed two games with a hamstring strain. He tweaked his hamstring in practice the following season and missed one game. The Saints have playoff aspirations this season, so it might be in their best interest to sit Lattimore this week. The Saints ruled out two other players for the contest earlier in the week. The inactive list for the Saints includes linebackers D'Marco Jackson and Jaylan Ford, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, quarterback Spencer Rattler, wide receiver A.T. Perry and tight end Dallin Holker.
Cowboys' Offensive Advantage
Lattimore's injury is a major boost for the Cowboys' offense. The Saints' defense is already weakened by other injuries, and Lattimore's absence will make it even tougher for them to stop the Cowboys. The Cowboys were so dominant in Sunday's win over Cleveland that some fans have underestimated their Week 2 opponent: the New Orleans Saints. While the Cowboys are playing at home, where they haven't lost in more than two years, the Saints put up arguably the most impressive performance of any team from the Week 1 slate. Sure, they played the Panthers, but they humiliated them to the tune of a 47-10 final score. It will be interesting to see how Dallas' defense matches up against New Orleans' offense, which has more playmakers to account for relative to the Browns.
However, fans will be hoping for a breakout game from the offense, which was uber-conservative in the second half. That will be easier said than done against a talented Saints defense. However, the NFC South squad may have to overcome a killer injury on that side of the ball. Lattimore left the Saints' Week 1 win with a hamstring injury. While the injury is described as minor, soft-tissue injuries are always tricky. The re-injury risk is extremely high a player returns too soon and Lattimore has a lengthy history of hamstring injuries that date back to college.
Lamb's Potential for a Big Game
Lattimore's injury sets up well for Lamb and the Cowboys offense to have a breakout game. Lamb is more lethal from the slot and played there a lot against the Browns: 30 snaps in the slot compared to 15 out wide, per PFF. That could have something to do with Cleveland having two strong outside CBs in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome, but Lamb is the NFL's best slot receiver. He is going to play there a lot regardless, but Mike McCarthy could get even more creative with No. 88 this week if Lattimore doesn't go. In that scenario, the Saints would ask more out of second-round rookie Kool-Aid Mckinstry and undrafted rookie Payton Rice. What play-caller wouldn't want to get their all-word receiver matched up against first-year players? Prescott and Lamb connected multiple times in Week 1, but their chemistry was a tick off. Lattimore's injury could help get them back on track.
Saints vs. Cowboys: A Must-Watch Game
The Saints vs. Cowboys game will be a must-watch this week. The Cowboys are looking to continue their winning ways, and the Saints will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss. The Cowboys are the favorites in this game, but the Saints will be looking to pull off an upset. With Lattimore out, the Cowboys have a great chance to win this game. The Saints' defense will be severely weakened without their star corner, and The Cowboys' offense will be looking to take advantage. This is a game that could go down to the wire, and it's one that you won't want to miss.
