The Cowboys just can't catch a break when it comes to their linebackers.
It all started in OTAs when Sean Lee tore his knee to shreds and is out for the season. Then, the career rebirth of Rolando McClain was put on hold with a groin injury, then the same applied to Bruce Carter. In that time, Justin Durant had emerged as one of the unsung stars of a surprising Dallas Cowboys defense that helped propel them to a six-game winning streak and a 6-1 record heading into Monday night's game against the Redskins.
McClain, Durant and Carter all started the game — the first time they'd all started together since Week 1 — but it didn't last long.
After leading the team with eight tackles on Monday night, Durant had to leave the game early with a torn biceps muscle, which likely will end his season. Durant's season ends after he'd been voted a captain by his defensive teammates, and now they must fill his void by either moving Carter to his side or replacing him with Anthony Hitchens.
"He's in the top three or four performers we've had this year on defense," owner and general manager Jerry Jones told reporters after the game. "He plays a key position, that weakside linebacker principally. That's a significant loss for us."
