FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys on Saturday ruled out quarterback Andy Dalton for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles because of a concussion, which means rookie Ben DiNucci will start in the key NFC East meeting.
Dalton suffered the concussion in the third quarter of last week’s loss to the Washington Football Team on a hit by linebacker Jon Bostic. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Friday that Dalton “should be ready to go next week.”
Bostic was fined $12,000 for the hit, according to a source.
Dalton will remain in Dallas as the team flies to Philadelphia. He did not practice during the week but was able to take part in some meetings. The Cowboys play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 8 at AT&T Stadium before their bye week.
DiNucci, a seventh-round pick, completed 2 of 3 passes for 39 yards after Dalton left last week’s game. He took most of the first-team work in practice during the week. Garrett Gilbert, who joined the team two weeks ago, will be DiNucci’s backup.
Linebacker Sean Lee will make his season debut after being activated to the 53-man roster off injured reserve. He had pelvis surgery at the start of the season and has practiced the past two weeks, but his role is unknown behind Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.
Center Joe Looney (knee) was also activated from injured reserve after missing the past three games. He started the first four games, but the Cowboys are expected to continue with rookie Tyler Biadasz at center, with Looney serving as a backup to all three interior spots.
Cornerback Saivion Smith was called up from the practice squad after the Cowboys decided not to activate cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who has not played since Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons because of a hamstring strain.