3 Worst-Case Scenarios for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot to live up to in 2020 following a disappointing 2019 campaign in which they finished 8-8 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. After making solid additions both in free agency and the NFL Draft, it wouldn't be crazy to label the Cowboys as the favorites to win the NFC East.

However, that's highly contingent upon certain things breaking in Dallas' favor. With that in mind, here are three worst-case scenarios that could prove disastrous to the team's ambitions in 2020 under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy.

3. Leighton Vander Esch Can't Get Over Neck Injury

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch / Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Next to concussions, neck injuries sound the most alarms in the NFL. Cowboys stud linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was limited to nine games with the latter last season and was ultimately shut down after several failed return attempts. The 2018 Pro Bowler claims that he's fully recovered following surgery, but one awkward hit could derail all of that progress. If the former No. 19 overall pick is forced to miss time, that'll significantly affect the Cowboys' defensive plans. Asking Sean Lee to play heavy snap counts in his age-34 season is a disaster waiting to happen. Vender Esch is a star in the making, and Cowboys fans should be on their knees hoping his neck issue is a thing of the past.

2. More Key Losses to the Offensive Line

Dallas Cowboys LT Tyron Smith / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Following the unexpected retirement of star center Travis Frederick, the Cowboys simply cannot afford any of their starting offensive linemen to suffer a severe injury. All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith hasn't played a full 16-game season since 2015. As deep as Dallas might think it is up front, the team won't be able to recover if he or right guard Zack Martin were forced to miss significant time. Any squad would struggle overcoming the loss of two Pro Bowl-caliber linemen, and running back Ezekiel Elliott would be headed for serious regression if that turns out to be the case.

1. Dak Prescott Holds Out

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

No, Dak Prescott balling out under the franchise tag would not be the worst case scenario for the Cowboys. Sure, it would drive his price tag up for a future contract extension, but it would also lead to Dallas winning games. That's a fair trade off. What isn't? Not even having him on the field because the franchise fails to reach an agreement on an extension. Think about the Cowboys' ceiling with Prescott under center ... now think about it with Andy Dalton running the show. Jerry Jones and Co. had better get the two-time Pro Bowler signed and sealed prior to the July 15 deadline.