Winters had shown signs of life after a slow start to his season, particularly as he had not yet established himself as a consistent force at linebacker since being acquired in a draft-day trade from the 49ers. The momentum was short-lived, however, as Winters sustained an ankle injury with 13:36 remaining in the second quarter and was helped off the field by the medical staff.
With DeMarvion Overshown already sidelined by a hamstring issue, Dallas entered the game with a depleted linebacker corps. Jaishawn Barham and Shemar James were the depth chart options, and James took over for Winters. If Winters cannot return, Dallas would be down to two healthy linebackers for the remainder of the game.
During the NBC broadcast, the sideline update noted Winters limped off to the medical tent, where the team’s head physician and athletic trainer worked to stabilize the ankle and reinforce the Achilles. He did not return to start the second half.
