Once again, the fate of the Dallas Cowboys' season hangs in the balance as they prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. While a loss still leaves a path to the playoffs open for Dallas, winning out remains their best chance at securing a postseason berth. Don't be misled by the Bengals' 4-8 record; Joe Burrow is playing some of the best football of his career, and their offense is putting up astonishing numbers. This is a team that teams like the Chiefs and Bills don't want to see sneak into the postseason.

All Hands on Deck for the Primetime Clash

The Cowboys will need every player available for this crucial primetime game. Fortunately, they have some good news. CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is ready to go, and Jake Ferguson (concussion) will return after a two-game absence. However, they have already ruled out Zack Martin, who will undergo season-ending ankle surgery. Safety Juanyeh Thomas is also out with a knee injury.PlayerPositionInjuryStatusJuanyeh ThomasSKneeOutTrevon DiggsCBKnee/groinActiveTyler GuytonOTAnkle/kneeActiveNick VigilLBFootActiveAndrew BoothCB–Healthy scratchDamone ClarkLB–Healthy scratchDeuce VaughnRB–Healthy scratchJalen BrooksWR–Healthy scratchTyrus WheatDL–Healthy scratchBoth Diggs and Guyton have missed the last two games with their respective injuries. Executive VP Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Monday that the team is "optimistic" that they will be active for this game. Having Diggs play means the Cowboys will have their top three cornerbacks - Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis - all active for the first time this season. This is significant timing as Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase is the favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year. He leads all pass-catchers in receiving yards and touchdowns. In the last three games alone, Chase has 24 catches for 425 yards and six touchdowns! And let's not forget that No. 2 wideout Tee Higgins might be in line for a big payday in the offseason.As for Tyler Guyton, the Cowboys need him to stay healthy for the rest of the season. His evaluation is one of the most important storylines over the final five games. Despite some growing pains, the No. 29 overall pick has not yet shown himself to be the long-term answer at left tackle.The Bengals won't have starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., which means Micah Parsons, who has been unstoppable since returning from injury, will face a backup left tackle. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will be looking to exploit this matchup and deploy Parsons all over the line to get Carl Lawson and others in 1-v-1 matchups against Cincinnati's backup. Rankins' absence is a big loss for the Bengals' defensive line. They will have to rotate McKinnley Jackson, Kris Jenkins, and Jay Tufele next to start B.J. Hill.In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys face a tough challenge against the Cincinnati Bengals. With injuries plaguing both teams, every player will need to step up and perform at their best. The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on both teams' playoff hopes.