Cowboys center Travis Frederick says that he is unlikely to return to the field this season. However, he feels “very good” about his outlook for the 2019 season. 
“I have certainly made progress, but at this point in the season, having not been able to do my football movements. … Even if I was 100 percent strength wise to be able to come back and play. … I’m still six or eight weeks out from that,” Frederick told 105.3 The Fan.
Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome before the start of the season, which caused numbness in both of his arms and a host of other symptoms. The four-time Pro Bowler recently regained feeling in his hands and technically can return from IR to play this year, but he’ll need additional time to get his medical situation straightened out and get back into playing shape. Frederick didn’t completely rule out the possibility of rejoining the team for the playoffs, but he characterized the odds as as “long shot.”
Before the illness, the 27-year-old started 80 straight games for the Cowboys. He had another productive season in 2017, as Pro Football Focus ranked him third among eligible centers. In his stead, the Cowboys have been relying on Joe Looney, who currently ranks 20th among centers according to PFF’s metrics.
The Cowboys have Frederick under contract through 2023 thanks to the six-year, $56.4MM extension he signed back in 2016. The offensive line has done an adequate job this year, and should be strengthened by the impending return of left tackle Tyron Smith, but it won’t be at its absolute best until Frederick is back in the lineup.
The offensive line hasn’t been adequate, it’s been downright dreadful. They lead the league in sacks given up and Zeke hasn’t had huge runs, he’s earned his yards this season. Anyone who thinks the Cowboys still have a good line right now are thinking back to 2016 and just assuming..
Many of those sacks were simply due to Dak’s failure to audible away from blitzes and his surprising inability to slide away from pressure. Furthermore, he reacts like a deer looking at headlights at any pass rush up the middle.
Dak is definitely a middle of the pack quarterback (12 to 20th). In his favour, he’s durable and pretty calm under pressure. Not every team can have Aaron Rogers or Drew Brees under center.
Definitely needs someone else calling his plays and cueing his audibles though.
I’m not a Dak fan, just stating facts. Some of those sacks are definitely on Dak but the line has been below average none the less..