What Cowboys Are Expected to Step Up at Arizona Following Injuries, Opt-Outs

STILLWATER — As if changing head coaches and defensive coordinators wasn’t enough, the Cowboys will likely find themselves fielding a different lineup at Arizona on Saturday due to reported redshirt decisions and possible injuries.

Oklahoma State’s defense could be without two key contributors, safety Dylan Smith and defensive tackle De’Marion Thomas, if reports are accurate that both plan to sit out the remainder of the year to preserve eligibility for the season.

Smith led the defense, playing 89% of snaps on average through the first four games. He was one of only two defenders to play 75% of snaps. His absence will mean more work for fellow safeties Parker Robertson (averaging 57%), David Kabongo (41%) and likely Mordecai McDaniel (11%).

Thomas represents another key loss, considering he led all defensive tackles, averaging 51% of snaps through the first four games. Iman Oates averaged 36% of snaps, putting him in second-place ahead of Aden Kelley (34%), Sitiveni Havili Kaufusi (26%) and Michael Diatta (14%).

To further complicate things up front, outside linebacker Taje McCoy and defensive end Jaleel Johnson were listed as questionable on OSU’s initial availability report. They were the only surprises listed for the defense alongside offensive questionables, tight end Josh Ford and running back Freddie Brock, the latter of whom missed last week due to injury.

McCoy played at least 40% of snaps in each of the last two games and ranks fourth overall in pressures created with five. Johnson averaged 53% of snaps played through the first four games and ranks second with 12 pressures.

If OSU misses one or both guys, the Cowboys could depend more on Malik Charles, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.

Should Brock miss another week due to injury, then running backs Rodney Fields Jr. and Trent Howland will likely just increase their dominance over the position. Ford’s absence could prove critical for a few reasons.

First of all, he ranks second among non-quarterback skill players, averaging 61% of snaps played through the first four games. He also finds himself at the crucial four-game redshirt threshold. Should he play Saturday, it would almost certainly lock Ford (and his position high nine targets and 45 yards on three receptions) in for the rest of the season as long as he remains healthy, and the Cowboys could certainly use some good news and a smidge of stability these days.

Should Ford miss time, Will Monney should see this biggest uptick considering he’s responsible for five of the position’s other six targets this season. Monney currently has three receptions for 39 yards.