In a cruel week that has already seen two NFC contenders lose key contributors to torn ACLs, now lightning may have struck the same place a third time.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick had to be carted off the practice field on Tuesday after suffering an apparent right knee injury. Scandrick was said to have sustained the injury in a collision with a teammate.
Orlando Scandrick collided with Lucky Whitehead. It's 32s knee. Not good. pic.twitter.com/MSwpb90OjB
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 26, 2015
Scandrick was reportedly very emotional as he was being carted off the field.
Orlando Scandrick with shirt over his face, wiping away tears
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 26, 2015
CB Orlando Scandrick goes down. Right knee. Being taken off field on a cart. Covers face as driven off.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 26, 2015
As for the extent of the injury, the Cowboys are bracing for the worst.
#Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick is feared to have torn his ACL, source said. He was carted off at practice, will have an MRI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2015
Cowboys do think CB Orlando Scandrick did tear his ACL, but will be doing an MRI to confirm.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2015
Losing Scandrick for a significant period of time would be a colossal blow to the Cowboys and their otherwise-vulnerable secondary. The 28-year-old is undoubtedly their top cornerback and maybe even their best defensive playmaker. His abilities in coverage were a big reason why Dallas overachieved on defense last year.
The former Boise State Bronco had just inked an extension this summer to remain with the team through 2019. Now he could be looking at an extended absence. Dallas may be forced to turn to injury-prone bust Morris Claiborne, the underachieving Brandon Carr, and the inexperienced rookie Byron Jones to hold down the fort at the cornerback position next season.
Scandrick has had a tumultuous last few months away from the gridiron as well, and he just can’t seem to catch a break. All we can do now is hope for the best, but given how serious the injury looked, it’s probably indeed time to start preparing for the worst.
