Carpenter has been sharing series with veteran Al Singleton the past month, and even played a spy role against Atlanta's Michael Vick, actually lining up in place of a defensive tackle. There is a chance Carpenter will take on an even bigger role Sunday against the Lions in the team's base defense. Carpenter gives the Cowboys more pass-rush skills than Singleton in the base defense.
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The Cowboys claimed Parrish off waivers Dec. 7, just before the Saints game, but has not been active in any of the past three games.
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If the Cowboys should end up winning the East, they would play the second wild-card team, and at this point, there still are five possibilities - the Giants, Green Bay, Atlanta, Carolina or St. Louis. The Cowboys have played the Giants twice this season, along with Carolina in Week 8 and Atlanta just two weeks ago.
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