Connor

McGovern

McGovern was in the blue medical tent and then taken into the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion, but he seemingly passed all tests and has been cleared to return. That’s big for a Buffalo offense that needs a big second half to get back in the game.

McGovern dove to try to recover a fumble by James Cook and was hit hard in the back of his head. He went into the medical tent and then walked into the locker room. Alec Anderson is replacing him, but playing on the road in Denver is a rough environment for a backup center.

Morse joined the Bills as a free agent in 2019. He started 77 games, all at center, in five seasons with the team. His release saves $8.5 million in cap space for the Bills. Pro Football Focus graded Morse as their No. 20 center in 2023. Though his best days may be behind him, Morse should have a market as a starting-caliber center. He is one of many veterans the Bills were forced to cut for cap purposes ahead of free agency. In his absence, Connor McGovern is expected to start at center. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, backup guard David Edwards is in line to start in 2024.

McDermott didn’t specify how long McGovern could be sidelined, which sparks some concern over whether or not he’ll be ready for Week 1 against the Jets. The Bills inked McGovern to a three-year, $23 million deal this offseason after he spent four seasons with the Cowboys. The Bills have a little more than two weeks to see how McGovern recovers from this injury. If he’s unable to go in Week 1, David Edwards or Ike Boettger could be in line to start.

McGovern was drafted in the third round in 2019 but didn’t see the field until 2020. He played across the interior of the Cowboys’ line before finding a permanent role at left guard in 2022. McGovern showed well as a pass-blocker, allowing just two sacks through 486 pass-blocking reps. He will replace Rodger Saffold at left guard for the Bills. Saffold was graded as one of the worst guards by Pro Football Focus and was a long-shot to be re-signed by Buffalo.

McGovern was injured in Week 1 against the Buccaneers and has missed each of the last two games. After logging limited practices all week, the veteran’s return comes at the perfect time as the Cowboys prepare to face the Commanders’ stout defensive line.

McGovern had his leg rolled up on by a Buccaneers defender in last night’s game and was helped to the sideline by teammates. What looked like a multi-week injury on camera was all but confirmed by Jones on Monday, as the Cowboys continue to deal with injuries early in the season. Second-year player Matt Farniok replaced McGovern in last night’s game and could be the long-term solution while McGovern is sidelined.

He got rolled up on by a Bucs defender after the play. He was helped off walking very gingerly surrounded by teammates and headed directly to the locker room without an on-field evaluation. This has the look of a multi-week injury, if not a season-threatening injury. 2021 seventh-rounder Matt Farniok replaced McGovern.

The Cowboys will also be without backup OL Brandon Knight, who was ruled a close contact. With Josh Ball (ankle) on IR and RT La’el Collins (neck) questionable, the Cowboys’ already thin offensive line will be at less than full strength against the Super Bowl champs, lowering the floor of Ezekiel Elliott’s Week 1 matchup. Connor McGovern is expected to start in place of Martin.

McGovern, who recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a partially torn pec, will be eligible to return later in the season. His roster spot was absorbed by practice squad RB Jordan Chunn, a possible indication that the Cowboys are expecting to be without Ezekiel Elliott when they open their season Sunday against the Giants.