The Cowboys are still in pole position to win the NFC East, but their offense was dealt a blow today as the team will place tight end Geoff Swaim on injured reserve, according to veteran Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. (Twitter link).
Hill adds that the team will promote running back Darius Jackson from the practice squad to take his spot on the roster. Swaim underwent wrist surgery last month, but the team hoped at the time he’d be able to return for a playoff push. Although they’ve kept him on the roster all this time, they finally decided they couldn’t wait any longer.
After Jason Witten retired, Swaim was expected to step up and become the lead tight end in the offense. A fourth-year player out of Texas, Swaim was having by far the best year of his career before going down. Through nine games, he reeled in 26 receptions for 242 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson was drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round back in 2016, and is already in his third stint with the team. He’s been waived multiple times, and spent time with the Browns and Packers. He’ll provide immediate depth behind Ezekiel Elliot, but likely won’t be too much of a factor.