*(Editor's Note: Each Tuesday, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will present "The Big Picture" for the upcoming game, presenting an overall update for each team as they head into the upcoming contest. This week, the Cowboys and Giants battle for the potential lead of the NFC East in a Week 7 matchup at MetLife Stadium.) *
WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (2-3) at New York Giants (3-3) *WHEN:Sunday, 3:25 (CST) WHERE:MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ TELEVISION: FOX*
Dallas Cowboys
For the third straight year, the Cowboys will travel to New York following the bye week. Having won both of those games, Dallas is actually looking to win its fourth straight game at MetLife Stadium.
Of course, Tony Romo has been the starter for all of those contests and while he will miss at least four more games with the broken clavicle injury, the Cowboys are turning the reigns over to veteran Matt Cassel, who replaces Brandon Weeden in the starting lineup.
Cassel has started 76 career games and will play for his fifth team of his career. The Cowboys are hoping two weeks off will give him plenty of time to be comfortable with the offense. Moving to Cassel is just one of several offensive changes the Cowboys are making this week. Rookie La'el Collins is replacing Ron Leary at left guard and while it hasn't been officially announced, there has been speculation of Christine Michael getting more reps this week at running back and could even start the game ahead of Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden.
The big question, however, will center on the health of Dez Bryant, who has missed five weeks with a fractured foot and returned to the practice field last Thursday for some conditioning work. If he can actually practice this week, there could be a chance he plays Sunday although at this point, it still seems like a long shot. With Dez, the Cowboys certainly won't rule him out.
On defense, the Cowboys are getting their top five rushers on the field for the first time all year. Randy Gregory (ankle) is expected to play, coupled with Greg Hardy, who didn't face the Giants in Week 1. Throw in Jeremy Mincey, Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence and the Cowboys could have their most aggressive pass-rush of the season.
Don't forget that Rolando McClain also missed the first game against the Giants and should provide even more strength to the defense as the starting middle linebacker.
New York Giants
The Giants saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Monday night in a turnover-filled loss to the Eagles. After completing his first 10 passes, Eli Manning threw two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown as the Eagles pulled into a first-place tie with the Giants at 3-3 in the division, just a half-game ahead of the Cowboys.
With that in mind, the Giants might welcome the Cowboys, considering they haven't had a takeaway in three straight games. However, they did get to Tom Brady for five first-half sacks in the last game and should be even more explosive on defense with the return of Randy Gregory.
As for the Giants' injuries, Victor Cruz continues to rehab his calf injury and could return to practice this week, although it's unlikely he will make his season debut Sunday vs. Dallas. Might the Giants are yet to rule him out, especially if he gets back on the field. Injuries at receiver have been an issue for the Giants as both Odell Beckham Jr. and Ruben Randle have missed time with injuries, but both played against the Eagles Monday night.
Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (torn pectoral) will be out a few more weeks, leaving backup Jayron Hosley in to start again Sunday against the Cowboys.
