FRISCO, TEXAS — In Sunday’s win over the Giants, not only did the Cowboys lose their franchise quarterback for the season with an ankle injury, but add defensive tackle Trysten Hill to the list.
An MRI on Monday confirmed that Hill tore his ACL and would be out the remainder of the season. The severity of the injury was displayed on Hill’s face as he was carted off the field, unable to put pressure on his right leg. The team feared a devastating diagnosis.
He got his leg twisted in the process of knocking down Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones. The worst part is that the injury occurred while Hill was trying to cushion his fall so that he did not land on Jones. In trying to prevent injury on the Giants’ quarterback, he injured himself.
“ That’s very unfortunate that it happened, “ defensive coordinator Mike Nolan told media. “ He [Hill] was trying to brace himself so that he didn’t land on the quarterback, and in the process he injured himself, which is really a shame because he worked extremely hard. “
Hill had come a long way. He faced criticism in 2019 and was labeled a bust, not being able to make the defensive line rotation under Rod Marinelli. Hill drastically improved throughout training camp and became more consistent in his second year with big-play flashes. Gerald McCoy tore his quad during training camp and was released by the Cowboys. Hill took his place and the coaching staff and front office raved about his development and that he had “earned” the vacated starting interior D-Line position.
A disappointing loss for the Cowboys- Hill was making an impact in the Cowboys’ defense. Against the Giants, he accumulated one tackle and one quarterback hit before the injury occurred.
In talking with media after the victory, you could hear the sadness in Mike McCarthy’s voice as he described Hill’s growth. “ Trysten has probably been, not being here last year, but just coming off of last year’s tape and going through the virtual spring, has probably been our most improved defensive player, definitely our most improved defensive lineman. So, I was just excited about the progress he was making. He was just getting better every week and every day, and man, that was a tough, tough injury. “
Hill will now join many other Cowboys on injured reserve that endured season-ending injuries: right tackle La’el Collins, left tackle Tyron Smith, tight end Blake Jarwin, and quarterback Dak Prescott.
The team is hopeful to have cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), offensive tackle Cameron Erving (knee), and Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) returning to the field over the course of the next few weeks, along with defensive end Randy Gregory who is on track in his reinstatement process.
