Cowboys Suffer Sudden Loss Before Broncos Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 2:58 PM ET

Brian Schottenheimer and the Dallas Cowboys looked to secure their first win streak of the 2025 NFL season in Week 8, hitting the road to face Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys were coming off their most impressive win of the year in Week 7, taking down the Washington Commanders 44-22.

Under first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys have fielded one of the NFL’s worst defenses, particularly without Micah Parsons, leading the league in both total yards allowed per game (401.6) and passing yards allowed (260.3). To make matters worse, Dallas placed All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs on injured reserve, sidelining him for the Broncos matchup and beyond. But Diggs wasn’t the only Cowboys defender ruled out for Week 8.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Jack Sanborn, after spending three seasons with the Chicago Bears, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Dallas in the offseason. The former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker has appeared in six games this season, including five starts in place of the injured DeMarvion Overshown, tallying 34 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defended.

But Sanborn has been limited over the past two games due to a concussion. He didn’t suit up for the Cowboys’ Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers and saw action only on special teams the following week. Then, just hours before Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos, Dallas announced that Sanborn would be out again, this time because of a groin injury.

"LB Jack Sanborn (groin) has been added to the @dallascowboys injury report," Dallas Cowboys Public Relations wrote on X. "He is out for today's game at Denver."

LB Jack Sanborn (groin) has been added to the @dallascowboys injury report. He is out for today's game at Denver.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) October 26, 2025

Along with Sanborn and Diggs, safety Donovan Wilson (elbow/shoulder) was also ruled out, along with Overshown and rookie corner Shavon Revel Jr., both of whom just began practicing this week.

Up next for the Cowboys, a Week 9 battle with the Arizona Cardinals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: