There is a listing of absences the Dallas Cowboys try to work via on each offense and protection, all as a result of quite a lot of accidents, however they will now be with out a linebacker for a wholly totally different motive. Luke Gifford, a second-year expertise who’s been relegated to particular groups underneath Mike McCarthy, has been suspended two video games by the NFL for violating the league’s PED coverage — sources verify to CBS Sports activities.
The shortened suspension is immediately linked to the brand new collective bargaining settlement, and hints strongly at it being Gifford’s first offense and certain for both a masking agent or league-banned stimulant. Gifford will likely be eligible to return to the crew on Dec. 4, following the assembly with the Baltimore Ravens, placing him in line to return to dwell motion for Week 14 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals.
His suspension places a dent within the depth at linebacker, however extra so within the particular groups unit, the place he is logged 121 snaps (43%) this season. He is taken only one defensive snap all 12 months, however remained on the prepared in case of damage on the place.
A former undrafted free agent in 2019, Gifford got here on robust in his rookie preseason with the Cowboys, hinting at a possible seat on the ultimate roster earlier than struggling a excessive ankle sprain that price him time. The Cowboys opted to retain his rights with the hopes of seeing extra, however his return in Week 6 of 2019 noticed him held to particular groups, the place he’d spend the rest of the season earlier than struggling a damaged arm in Week 15 that ended his season — having participated in six video games as a rookie.
The previous Nebraska standout has been wholesome in 12 months 2 however nonetheless unable to crack into the defensive rotation, and his suspension will not do him any favors on the subject of constructing rapport with McCarthy and his workers.
