Roy Williams Out 4-6 Weeks

While many Dallas fans have been calling for a reduction of playing time, or even the complete removal of safety Roy Williams, the loss of such an important contributor is catastrophic to the team going into a game with a hefty Green Bay Packers team.  The showdown in Wisconsin marks the return of receiver Sam Hurd and possibly that of Kyle Kosier, the teams starting left guard.  While Dallas is getting healthy in time to make an early push into NFC supremacy, the absence of a contributor like Williams could cripple the special teams play and run defense.  Last year, amid rumors and speculations that Roy Williams would not be a Cowboy for much longer, Williams went out and finished second on the team in tackles.  No athlete has ever been criticized more for their play while recording 92 tackles, 72 of which were solo (1st on the team).  The part of Williams' game that is suspect is his coverage.  Last year, while on a public radio show, Williams admited that he felt lost at times in one-on-one man coverage, often getting burned by bigger tight ends.  Even with Williams' improved covering skills, which can be attributed to the addition of secondaries coach Dave Campo in the off-season, fans still grimace every time Williams is supposed to man up on a receiver or tight end.  To ensure that Williams' play won't be detrimental to the team, defensive coordinator Brian Stewart added a new nickle package that will have Anthony Henry, who last year led the team with six interceptions, rolling out to the safety position while rookie Mike Jenkins takes his spot.  Williams is now strictly used on first and second down on defense, and takes part on many special teams packages, which is where he was injured in the Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles.   Williams haters should have been satisfied with all the changes the coaches made to get the defense in a better position to succeed but the thought of giving up a big touchdown out ways the newly found confidence coaches like Stewart and Campo have in him.  He did give up what would've been a 61-yard touchdown to rookie receiver DeSean Jackson of the Eagles on Monday night, but the touchdown was overturned when head coach Wade Phillips challenged the play and it was found out the Jackson threw down the ball before he crossed the plane of the end zone.  Still, while it is easy to point out the mistakes in Dallas' former 1st round pick, the effort and ability he has will be missed against the run and on special teams.  Williams has been a reason why the Cowboys' kick coverage unit has looked so good in the regular season, despite appearing abysmal in all four preseason games.  Williams clogs up running lanes and kept Pro Bowl return man Josh Cribbs of the Cleveland Browns from ever breaking a long return.  The loss is even more significant because his replacement, third-year veteran Pat Watkins, was called for an illegal face mask penalty that let the Eagles gain a first down and almost retake the lead.  While Watkins is largely unproven he is confident, proclaiming, "It's not like I haven't played before... I'm ready."  Whether Watkins is ready or not, the Packers will be sure to take plenty of shots at the safety who has only started nine games in his career.  Watkins, however, is not one to be intimidated.  And why should he?  At 6'5" the safety has a post-season start under his belt and lead the team in special teams tackles last year.  Expect Green Bay's Aaron Rogers to take plenty of shots his way, but don't expect Watkins to look confused or lost; he has four interceptions to date and is looking to add to his resume.  While the loss of Roy Williams is immeasurable when considering his special teams contributions, don't think for a second that he has nothing to give for the Cowboys.  Watkins is young, but don't expect a dramatic falloff in run support, he is still a professional.