COVID Protocols: Lewis added to list, rookie Joseph to see bigger role

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COVID is running wild through the NFL like Hulkamania in the 1980s. The Dallas Cowboys have had their share of the virus hit their roster in the last few days. Safety Malik Hooker and running back JaQuan Hardy were added to the Reserve/COVID list on Thursday. On Friday, rookie wide receiver Simi Fehoko was also added into COVID protocols, but he wasn’t alone.

Five-year veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who is having his best season in the NFL, will miss the Cowboys Week 16 matchup with the Washington Football Team after testing positive for COVID.

Lewis signed a three-year deal worth up to $16.5 million back in March. The former Michigan Wolverine has already set career highs in interceptions (3) and passes defended (11), and has tied a career-high in fumble recoveries (2).

The Cowboys made a smart decision by bringing Lewis back. Second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs is leading the NFL in interceptions with 10. Six-year veteran Anthony Brown, who has been much-maligned in the past, is having a career year also by reaching his highest totals in tackles (67), interceptions (3), and passes defended (14). That takes care of the outside, and having Lewis perform at a high level in the slot gives the Cowboys a solid trio of cornerbacks in a league that loves to toss the football around.

With Lewis on the shelf this Sunday it gives rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph a huge opportunity to prove what he can do. Drafted in the second round back in April, Joseph came into the NFL after a very productive season with the Kentucky Wildcats. In just nine games, Joseph recorded 25 tackles and four interceptions (tied for second in the SEC).

Joseph’s professional career had a minor setback during the preseason. He suffered a groin injury and was placed on injured reserve. He made his professional debut against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. Joseph has seen the majority of his work on special teams where he’s logged 127 snaps compare to just 14 on defense. That number will go up significantly this Sunday as Joseph will likely start in place of Lewis.

Cornerback is one of the most important positions to have depth at, and the Cowboys get to see this Sunday what Joseph can do with an increased role in a game where the team can wrap up the NFC East title.