MLB Eric Kendricks has been ruled out of Lions game, as the hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys

The injury hits keep coming to the Dallas Cowboys.

Already without three starters in defensive ends Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) along with a replacement starter in defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee), the Cowboys (3-2) will play the Detroit Lions (3-1) on Sunday minus middle linebacker Eric Kendricks.

Kendricks, the team’s leading tackler who also wears the green dot and calls the defense, was ruled out Friday with shoulder and calf injuries.

His primary backup Nick Vigil is also questionable for the game. He hasn’t practiced all week with a foot injury.

If Vigil can’t go, the Cowboys will try demoted starter Damone Clark or practice squad linebacker Darius Harris as possible replacements.

The loss of Kendricks is a huge setback for an already-challenged Cowboys defense going into a game against a Lions offense that uses a lot of shifts and motions to help unleash a receiver corps and running back room as dynamic and explosive as any in the NFL.

“He’s our quarterback,” coach Mike McCarthy said of Kendricks’ value to the defense. “He knows [the defense] inside and out. As far as a leadership perspective, getting the front set, the communication is outstanding and frankly he’s got so much experience in that defense. Super instinctive. Very aware. Very, very disciplined player.”

On the flip side, the Lions game will likely feature the return of All-Pro cornerback DeRon Bland, who missed the first five games with a sprained foot.

Bland is officially listed as questionable for the game but he is expected to see action with a pitch count on his snaps.

Any help is welcomed from a defense that has had starters drop like flies over the last few weeks.

The Cowboys are hoping that Parsons and Kneeland will be good to go for the Oct. 27 matchup at the San Francisco 49ers after next week’s bye.

Lawrence, Cooks and Kneeland have been placed on injured reserve and must miss at least three more games.