The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position, sitting at 3-7 and staring down the possibility of their first six-game losing streak since their dismal 4-12 season in 2015.

Their path to recovery runs through the Washington Commanders, where Dallas will face familiar faces in former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and several former teammates who switched allegiances this offseason: Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr.

But the Cowboys will have to pull it off without three key players who’ve already been ruled out for the Week 12 game.

“Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs and G Zack Martin will not travel with the team to Washington and now have been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders. Also, Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks was not activated today and he will not play Sunday vs. Washington,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote on X.

Diggs has been instrumental to Dallas’ defense, starting all 10 games while accumulating 37 total tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions.

The offensive line takes a significant hit without Martin, an 11-year veteran and seven-time All-Pro who also hasn’t missed a start this season.

Cooks, despite receiving medical clearance to return from injured reserve, remains sidelined.

His last appearance came in Week 4, and his season stats show nine receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown.

The mounting injuries pose a significant challenge for Dallas, particularly with starting quarterback Dak Prescott already out with a hamstring injury.

The absences complicate an already difficult task as the Cowboys prepare to face the resurgent Commanders, who’ve found their stride under Quinn’s leadership.