Cowboys success in 2026 hinges on the health of a handful of players

July 7, 2026 - 01:18

The Dallas Cowboys' chances for a successful 2026 campaign will likely come down to one simple factor: staying out of the training room. While every NFL team deals with bumps and bruises, the Cowboys have a handful of players whose health is absolutely critical to the team's fortunes. If these key contributors can avoid major injuries, the team has a real shot at making a deep playoff run. If not, it could be another long year in Dallas.

The offensive line remains a major concern. The team needs its tackles and interior linemen to stay on the field to protect the quarterback and open running lanes. Losing a starter up front for an extended period would force the offense to adjust its entire game plan. On defense, the Cowboys rely heavily on their pass rush and secondary. If a star defender misses significant time, the unit could struggle to stop high-powered offenses in the NFC.

Beyond the stars, depth is also a worry. The Cowboys have been bitten by the injury bug in recent years, and the 2026 roster may not have proven backups ready to step in. The front office has tried to build a squad that can withstand a few injuries, but losing two or three of these essential players at the same time would be a disaster. In the end, the Cowboys' fate is tied directly to the health of their most important athletes. Avoiding injuries is always going to be important, but for this team, it is everything.