Cowboys’ tackle Free out vs Lions with injuries

Doug-Free;-Dallas-Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' tackle Doug Free. (Darren Abate/AP)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas right tackle Doug Free will miss his team’s first playoff game in five years with left foot and ankle injuries that sidelined him for the last two games of the regular season.

Detroit defensive tackle Nick Fairley is also inactive for Sunday’s wild-card game with a right knee injury that has kept him out for two months.

Free was a backup when the Cowboys reached the post-season in the 2009 season. He missed three games earlier this season with a broken right foot.

Jermey Parnell will make his sixth start in Free’s spot.

Rookie Travis Swanson, who has started at guard, centre and tackle for the Lions, will replace Larry Warford at right guard. Warford is out with a knee injury.

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