August 20, 2013 10:18 am EDT by

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Somebody, please get an economy-sized can of bug repellent and hose down the Dallas Cowboys.

For the second straight season, Dallas is plagued with injuries on both sides of the ball. The latest injury came Monday when Lance Dunbar, who was leading the competition for the backup running back spot, went down with a sprained left foot. All indications are pointing to Dunbar missing at least three to four weeks, but he is hoping to make his return for the season opener on September 8.

Related: Lance Dunbar Injury Opens Doors For Dallas Cowboys’ Joseph Randle And Phillip Tanner

Second-year linebacke, Alex Albright, who suffered a herniated disc, will undergo back surgery, requiring him to miss the entire season for the Cowboys. Albright saw significant playing time last year due to the Cowboys’ depleted defense, and was waived on Monday. He will, however, be placed on injured reserve if he clears waivers.

Last week, the Cowboys lost Ronald Leary, who had his knee scoped to remove a piece of kneecap that broke off. Leary is hopeful that he will be back for Week 1, but there is no guarantee that he will be prepared to start the season opener. If he is not ready, Dallas might have to turn to David Arkin to take over the starting left guard role until Leary returns.

It appears that this season is picking up right where last season left off in terms of injuries. Currently, Dallas has 14 injured players on their roster, three of whom are out for the season. Included on that list is Tyrone Crawford, who suffered a torn Achilles on the first day of training camp. The Cowboys also have a slew of players who have yet to see any action this season such as Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer, both of whom are expected to be back for Week 1.

For the sake of Cowboys fans everywhere, let’s hope that this injury bug perishes soon, otherwise, Jason Garrett better get out his “next man up” speeches from last season and start rehearsing them.

Pete Osmolia is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @posmolia and like him on Facebook.

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