Cowboys’ Stephon Gilmore Out vs. Commanders Because of Shoulder Injury

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore is expected to suit up in the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers despite sustaining a shoulder injury that caused him to leave the team’s 38-10 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 18.

Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters after the game that Gilmore “will be ready to go,” according to Patrik Walker of the Cowboys’ official website. The corner gave a description of his injury, which caused him to exit the game in the second quarter without returning.

“It popped out and they popped it back in place,” Gilmore said, per Walker. “It feels great now. I’m excited for next week.”

Prior to his departure, he recorded six tackles and one pass defensed.

The Cowboys are likely relieved that his injury wasn’t too serious, as the team’s cornerback depth is already thin after All-Pro corner Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL during a practice session on Sep. 21.

Entering Sunday’s action, Gilmore recorded 62 tackles and two interceptions to go along with a forced fumble in 16 starts. Pro Football Focus gave him a commendable 72.4 grade for his performance throughout the year, allowing just 47 receptions on 87 targets.

Gilmore was able to seamlessly take over Diggs’ role as the Cowboys’ top cornerback due to his years of experience shadowing several of the best wide receivers in the sport. The four-time Pro Bowler won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 as a member of the New England Patriots, leading the league in both interceptions and passes defensed.

At 33 years old, Gilmore’s teammates and coaching staff have been particularly impressed with his ability to dissect opposing offenses before the snap.

“If you watch Stephon play, that’s what he is,” McCarthy told reporters on Dec. 14, per CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell. “He has as great understanding what the offense is trying to do based on pre-snap personnel and that definitely plays into it. Just like anything, if you are going to travel with someone you got be able to go inside too and play.”

Gilmore will be looking to stifle a Packers passing attack that currently ranks 12th among NFL teams this season.