Report: Cowboys 'concerned' James Washington suffered a Jones fracture in foot
Monday was the first day of pads for the Dallas Cowboys, who are in Oxnard, CA for training camp. An injury has already occurred for head coach Mike McCarthy, with wide receiver James Washington being carted off the practice field earlier in the day. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the franchise is “concerned” about their new signing.
“Cowboys are concerned that veteran WR James Washington suffered a Jones fracture in his foot today, per source,” Schefter said. “Washington was carted off and is undergoing additional testing.”
Jon Machota of The Athletic was able to capture the moment Dallas thinks Washington fractured his foot. Running out a deep ball with cornerback Trevon Diggs in coverage, the two get tangles around their feet before Washington limped off the field.
Washington is a native of Texas, coming back to play for his hometown team this offseason. He was a second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent four years with the AFC club. There, he was able to catch 114 balls for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Deciding to leave Pittsburgh, Washington cited his decision due to not being used correctly within the offense. He signed a one-year deal with Dallas to prove he can be one of the top receivers in the NFL, wanting to get back to how he performed while at Oklahoma State.
If the Jones fracture Dallas is concerned about becomes a reality, it could be a lengthy absence for Washington. And one that could cause the Cowboys to scramble quite a bit.
Wide receiver is already a place Dallas finds itself thin at thanks to some offseason losses. Amari Cooper left via trade, while Cedrick Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins during free agency. Washington was going to be brought in to be a complimentary piece for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore but his health going into the season is now pending.
Quarterback Dak Prescott had already been talking highly of Washington before the injury occurred. Of course, this was all while the pads were off but Prescott seemingly was building a solid relationship with the fifth-year wide receiver.
“Obviously just a veteran. You turn on the film and see a contested catch guy,” said Prescott. “He’s got some juice. He can take the top off. Just in the time we’ve had, he’s been very friendly. Very quarterback friendly. He’s running good routes. I’m excited to see him with defenders now.”