Follow along with the very latest Cowboys updates as staff writers David Helman, Rob Phillips, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus provide in-depth news and analysis.
DB Coach Kris Richard on Pregame Scuffle
(Nov. 12; 2:00 p.m.) – It didn't take long before new DB coach Kris Richard showed off his intensity. The fiery former Seattle assistant brought a level of toughness to the Cowboys' defense from the moment he arrived this offseason.
So it should come as no surprise that he was in the middle of the team's pregame scuffle with the Eagles, seen on camera in the middle of the action, getting into a brief altercation with a player not in uniform.
While it was rather harmless and played a small role in the overall outcome, some might suggest that actually set the tone for the Cowboys' 27-20 win.
Asked to comment about the incident after the game, Richard didn't offer up much, even playfully being naïve about the question.
"Oh that?" Richard said with a smile. "I was just making sure our football team was ready to win a football game."
Mission accomplished.
-Nick Eatman
Fake Punt Keeps Early Scoring Drive Alive
(Nov. 12; 1:30 a.m.) –Ezekiel Elliott's highlight-reel hurdle run against the Eagles never would've happened if not for a successful fake punt on fourth-and-2 from the Cowboys' own 31-yard line.
Safety Jeff Heath took a direct snap from L.P. Ladouceur and pushed forward for three yards and a first down. It was only the second career carry for Heath.
Six plays later, Elliott's 32-yard gain put Dallas in position for a field goal to take a 6-0 lead in an eventual 27-20 win.
"When you're playing a good team like that, the more possessions you can steal from them, the better chance you have to win," Heath said.
-Rob Phillips
Zack Martin Injures Knee Against Eagles, Returns
(Nov. 11; 8:10 p.m.) – All-Pro guard Zack Martin limped off the field with a left knee injury during the Cowboys' second offensive drive against the Eagles but returned to the game with 11:50 remaining in the first half.
Television replays showed Martin's left leg get rolled up on from behind. He went to the locker room for further evaluation but was able to return.
Martin has been playing through a sprained MCL in his knee since the Washington game on Oct. 21. Adam Redmond replaced him temporarily at right guard.
The Cowboys started Xavier Su'a-Filo at left guard Sunday in place of rookie Connor Williams, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the week.
-Rob Phillips
Inactives Released; Su'a-Filo To Start vs. Philly
(Nov. 11; 7:00pm EST) - The Cowboys' game day inactives are more of a formality for this week, given that the team ruled six players out on Friday – but they are now official.
The team released its seven inactives ahead of Sunday night's game against the Eagles. Third-string quarterback Mike White will join Tavon Austin, Taco Charlton, David Irving, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas and Connor Williams on that list.
This is as many major injuries as the Cowboys have had to deal with during the 2018 season. Charlton, Lee and Williams all sustained injuries during last week's loss to Tennessee, while Austin and Thomas are still recovering from previous injuries. Irving injured his ankle in practice during the week leading up to the Titans game and will miss his second-straight week.
With Williams missing the first game of his career, it sounds like veteran guard Xavier Su'a-Filo will be the beneficiary. The Cowboys held a competition for the left guard spot between Su'a-Filo and Adam Redmond, and team executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday that he thought Su'a-Filo would be the starter on Friday night.
Injuries will create other opportunities, as well. With Charlton out injured, it's a reasonable guess that Tyrone Crawford will see more snaps at defensive end – which should once again allow more playing time for both Daniel Ross and Caraun Reid. In addition, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith figure to play plenty of snaps without either Lee or Thomas to rotate into the mix.
The receiver corps also saw a shakeup heading into this game. It's a good guess that the Cowboys continue to roll with a primary trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Cole Beasley, but they also added Noah Brown and Lance Lenoir to the active roster on Friday. With Austin still recuperating, it will be interesting to see if they can find a role for either young player.
-David Helman
