Cowboys at Browns: Chubb OUT, Watson 'Sore'; Dallas Catching Week 1 Break?

FRISCO — With the preseason in the rearview, the Dallas Cowboys will begin trimming their roster to a 53-man group and turning their focus to a Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns .

That means the official debut of newly appointed defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The most pressing questions for this group revolve around the hopes of a more sound run defense, though it seems the Cowboys could potentially catch a few breaks in this contest.

The Browns will navigate some injury concerns heading into this game. Cleveland has placed star running back Nick Chubb on the team's Physically Unable to Perform List, making him unavailable for the team's first four regular season games.

Deshaun Watson's status has become an additional item of note, missing the team's final preseason game with arm soreness. Head coach Kevin Stefanski had previously planned for all starters to suit up but changed that course for his quarterback.

Chubb's circumstance presumes the greater concern after a gruesome season-ending knee injury while Watson has recovered from surgery on his throwing shoulder in November.

Given the status of those two players, could the Cowboys catch a break in their season opener?

Chubb's definitive absence certainly provides relief as Dallas unveils a new scheme with commitment to stopping the run. Jerome Ford will become the prime ball carrier, making for a drop off from the premier running back.

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Perhaps Watson's situation is of a cautionary nature, but an untimely flare up of his shoulder injury would be detrimental for the Browns' hopes of a strong start to the season.

Granted, the Cowboys are without star cornerback DaRon Bland heading into this game. His presence and playmaking will be missed in the secondary for the first half of the season.

But with Chubb sidelined and some caution on Watson's end, the Browns would be without two of their primary sources of offensive production. One figures that should benefit the Cowboys, but Zimmer and the Dallas defense need to be prepared for all circumstances to avoid a Week 1 dud.