The Dallas Cowboys are currently battling the Minnesota Vikings with a 14-7 lead, but they may have to finish this Week 15 contest without their lead back. Javonte Williams has been sidelined after sustaining a shoulder injury during the team’s opening possession. He is officially listed as questionable to return.

The Situation for Javonte Williams

The injury occurred on the Cowboys’ first offensive drive of the game. Javonte Williams capped off the series with a gritty 1-yard touchdown run, putting Dallas on the board with 8:23 remaining in the first quarter. While he managed to finish the drive and secure the points, he did not return to the field for the Cowboys’ second series.

Initially, there was hope for a quick return. Equipment staff were observed adding extra padding to the inside of his shoulder pads on the sideline, suggesting an attempt to manage the pain and get him back in the rotation.

Sideline Status and Observations

Despite the equipment adjustments, the outlook has become less optimistic as the first half of the year progresses. Reports from the sideline indicate that Javonte Williams is currently sitting on the bench without his helmet. This is often a significant indicator that a player is done for the day, or at least for the half.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Williams was seen flexing his left arm and shoulder while undergoing further evaluation by the medical staff. Until the team rules him out officially, the designation remains questionable, but the visual of him helmet-less on the sideline is concerning for fantasy managers and Cowboys fans alike.

Cowboys Pivot to Backup Plan

With Javonte Williams out of the lineup, Dallas has been forced to adjust its ground game immediately. The offense has turned to a committee approach featuring backup tailback Malik Davis and fullback Hunter Luepke. The duo has managed to keep the momentum going so far, with Luepke punching in a 1-yard touchdown run just eight seconds into the second quarter to reclaim the lead.

The Vikings have already shown they can score quickly—tying the game earlier on a rapid 53-yard drive—so controlling the clock is vital. Whether the backups can replicate the production of Javonte Williams for a full four quarters remains the key question as this game continues.