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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
WASHINGTON D.C. — With right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs ruled out of Sunday’s game because of injuries, the Dallas Cowboys will be without more than $100 million of salary-cap space when they take on the Washington Commanders.
Martin was listed as doubtful and unlikely to play because of ankle and shoulder injuries and did not practice during the week. Diggs was listed as questionable with groin and knee injuries after taking part in two limited workouts on Thursday and Friday.
The Cowboys already have quarterback Dak Prescott ($44.6 million), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence ($20.4 million) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks ($10 million) on injured reserve. Martin counts $15.5 million against the cap, while Diggs counts $15.3 million.
Cooks had his practice window to return from a knee issue last week but was not added to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Tackle Chuma Edoga (toe) and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) were activated off injured reserve Saturday and both are expected to play against the Commanders.
The Cowboys created the spots by placing safety Markquese Belle on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and waiving defensive end K.J. Henry.
With Diggs out, the Cowboys still have not had their top three cornerbacks play in a game this year. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland will make his season debut Sunday after missing the first 10 games because of surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. Nickel corner Jourdan Lewis is returning to the lineup Sunday after a one-week absence with a neck injury.
With Martin out, T.J. Bass will replace him. Two other linemen — left tackle Tyler Guyton and left guard Tyler Smith — have dealt with injuries this week. Martin’s availability for the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the New York Giants is also in question has he has dealt with injuries to both ankles and shoulder.
The Cowboys elevated tight end Princeton Fant from the practice squad with Jake Ferguson (concussion) out. Cornerback Kemon Hall was also elevated for the second straight game.