Don't miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys' regular season. Presented by Sleep Number
Dec. 31 Updates
3:15 p.m. – Starting safety Xavier Woods (ribs) did not play against the Eagles last Sunday but has practiced on a limited basis the last two days, an encouraging sign heading into the regular-season finale against the Giants.
Four players on the current active roster did not practice again today: Leighton Vander Esch (ankle), safety Darian Thompson (concussion), safety Donovan Wilson (illness) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee).
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Giants.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 30 Updates
3:04 p.m. – Four players on the Cowboys' current active roster did not practice today: linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (ankle), safety Donovan Wilson (illness), safety Darian Thompson (concussion) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee).
Safety Xavier Woods (ribs) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring and groin) had limited participation.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Giants.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 29 Updates
4 p.m. – The Cowboys have waived offensive tackle Jordan Mills.
Mills, an eight-year veteran, has spent most of the season on the practice squad but had been on the active roster since Dec. 17.
The Cowboys now have seven offensive linemen on the current active roster. This season, teams can carry 48 players on the game day roster (up from 46 in past years) if at least eight linemen dress.
Starting guard/tackle Zack Martin (calf) is eligible to be activated from the Reserve/Injured list this week, though Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones on Tuesday (via 105.3 The Fan) sounded unsure that Martin would be ready to return to game action this week.
--------------------------------------------
Andy Dalton is among three finalists for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week award.
The veteran QB completed 22 of 30 passes for a season-high 377 passing yards with three touchdowns in the Cowboys' 37-17 win over the Eagles.
Dalton joins Tampa Bay's Tom Brady and the Bengals' Brandon Allen as this week's nominees.
To vote for Dalton, click here!
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 28 Updates
1:04 p.m. - When the Cowboys placed Zack Martin on IR earlier this month, there was always a thought he could come back and play. That contingency rested on the chances the Cowboys would still be in the playoff hunt.
But here they are with a game to play and needing a win and a Washington loss to claim the NFC East title.
On Monday, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones was asked about Martin's chances of playing Sunday against the Giants with a calf injury.
"Zack has been week to week. I really didn't think he had any opportunity, in reality, as we were working through his injury," Jones said on 105.3 "The Fan" in Dallas. "The best of the best options would be the last game of the season. We'll see how he does this week. Obviously we'll make a decision that's in his best interest and our best interest here as we see how he works during the week."
If Martin does play, he could return to his regular right guard spot, currently manned by Connor McGovern. But perhaps Martin would return to right tackle, the spot he played for two games before suffering the calf injury.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 27 Updates
9:48 p.m. - The Cowboys will play the New York Giants next Sunday at Noon (CT) in a game that is meaningful to both teams, who still have a shot to win the NFC East.
But regardless who wins Sunday at the Meadowlands, the winner will have to wait until that evening to learn their playoff fate. The NFL flexed the Washington-Philadelphia game to the NBC Sunday Night Football matchup.
So for the Cowboys, if they should win against the Giants, will likely be back in Dallas to catch the end of the game to see if they indeed advance to the playoffs.
For more on the Cowboys' playoff chances and how they've remained in the postseason picture, click here.
--------------------------------------------
9:01 p.m. – For a brief moment on Sunday, Diggs lost his outright lead for the team's most interceptions when Anthony Brown had a fourth-quarter pick, giving him two on the season.
But Diggs took it right back, snagging his third interception, and his first in eight weeks.
Diggs, who missed four games due to a broken foot, now has three interceptions – all against the Eagles this year. It's the most picks by a Cowboys rookie cornerback since Terence Newman had four in 2003.
--------------------------------------------
8:23 p.m. – With his fourth-quarter touchdown run, Lamb became just the second player in franchise history – and first rookie – to score touchdowns by rush, reception and kickoff return – in a single season.
In fact, Lamb is just the 29th rookie in NFL history to accomplish that feat.
But he's not satisfied. After the game, Lamb said he feels "real close" to breaking a punt return for a score, perhaps something he can do next Sunday against the Giants.
--------------------------------------------
8:06 p.m. – In the last four games, Gallup now has four touchdown catches, putting him in a three-way tie for the team lead with Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb with five each.
Gallup now has 794 receiving yards, after posting 1,107 yards last season.
His 121 receiving yards on Sunday all occurred in the first half, the most by a Cowboys receiver in a half since Dez Bryant (158) against Jacksonville in 2014.
--------------------------------------------
7:58 p.m. – The Boise State head coaching job is open, and multiple reports say Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is viewed as a top candidate for the vacancy at his former school.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about Boise State's reported interest in Moore, who led the Broncos to a school-record 50 wins at quarterback from 2008-2011.
"As far as Kellen's potential opportunity, that's really not for me to speak on. I think that's something that we'll ultimately speak on," McCarthy said. "I was asked the other day; every opportunity is unique to the individual. I can only tell you that we think the world of Kellen."
--------------------------------------------
7:57 p.m. – Safety Darian Thompson suffered a concussion Sunday against the Eagles and is entering the NFL's concussion protocol heading into Week 17.
Thompson's availability for the regular-season finale against the Giants is uncertain at this point. He started at safety Sunday for Xavier Woods, who was inactive with a ribs injury.
--------------------------------------------
2:05 p.m. – Ezekiel Elliott will play Sunday.
It was suspected that Elliott would play in this divisional tilt against Philadelphia, but the veteran running back is active for kickoff. Elliott missed his first career game due to injury last week, but that won't become a trend here in Week 16.
With Elliott available, the Cowboys only needed to make two players inactive – rookies Ben DiNucci and Bradlee Anae. Veterans Leighton Vander Esch, Xavier Woods and Rashard Robinson were ruled out on Friday, filling out the full list of five.
Rookie pass rusher Ron'Dell Carter is active for the second time in his career.
--------------------------------------------
2:04 p.m. -- Cowboys captains for Sunday's game against the Eagles:
WR Amari Cooper (offense)
DL Tyrone Crawford (defense)
CB Chidobe Awuzie
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 26 Updates
1:53 p.m. – Ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles, the Cowboys have placed defensive tackle Antwaun Woods on Reserve/Injured and signed rookie running back Sewo Olonilua to the active roster from the practice squad.
Woods injured his ankle last Sunday against the 49ers and had already been ruled out of the Eagles game.
Olonilua, an undrafted rookie out of TCU, was active last Sunday because starting running back Ezekiel Elliott was inactive with a calf injury. Olonilua offers potential depth again with Elliott officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game, though Elliott has been able to practice on a limited basis this week and said Wednesday he feels on track to play against Philadelphia.
The Cowboys placed cornerback Chris Westry on Reserve/Injured-Practice Squad. Westry injured his knee against the 49ers.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 25 Updates
3:38 p.m. – Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
Elliott did not play against the 49ers last Sunday but has practiced on a limited basis this week and says his calf is feeling better. The Cowboys did not practice Friday, but Elliott would have been a limited participant, according to the injury report. The team is expected to practice Saturday.
Four Cowboys defensive players have been officially ruled out of Sunday's game: linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (ankle), defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (ankle), safety Xavier Woods (ribs) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (ankle).
Tight end Blake Bell (illness) is questionable for Sunday.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Eagles.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 24 Updates
3:42 p.m. – Years down the road, this will make a pretty good CeeDee Lamb trivia question.
On Sunday, Lamb will see his third former Oklahoma quarterback teammate on the opposing sideline this season: Jalen Hurts, who has taken over as Eagles' starting quarterback.
After Hurts transferred from Alabama in 2019, Lamb and Hurts played one season together at OU and reached the College Football Playoff. Lamb got drafted 17th overall by the Cowboys in April, and Hurts went to the Eagles in the second round.
Lamb says it's a "huge honor" to have played with Hurts, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in college. He hasn't spoken with Hurts this week but looks forward to catching up after Sunday's game.
"Granted, we play this week, but we're trying to keep it business casual," he said. "At the end of the day he has to go in, go to work, make his team better, and so do I. That's how we'll keep it as. We know the love is still there, the brotherhood is still there."
Not surprisingly, Lamb has been impressed with Hurts' first two starts in Philadelphia, including over 400 total yards and four touchdowns against the Cardinals last week.
"He definitely did a great job getting that starting role and feeling comfortable with the offense," Lamb said.
Lamb and the Cowboys lost to Mayfield and the Browns, and Murray and the Cardinals, earlier this season. They'll look for a better outcome Sunday against Hurts and the Eagles.
--------------------------------------------
3:40 p.m. -- The Cowboys' injury report is unchanged from Wednesday: running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) had limited practice participation, while linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (ankle) defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (ankle), safety Xavier Woods (ribs), cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee) and tight end Blake Bell (illness) did not practice.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Sunday's opponent, the Eagles.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 23 Updates
3:21 p.m. – Wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered a hip strain in last Sunday's win over the 49ers but was able to fully participate in Wednesday's practice.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) had limited participation, also an encouraging sign for this Sunday against the Eagles after being sidelined for the 49ers game.
Five Cowboys players did not practice Wednesday: linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (ankle), safety Xavier Woods (ribs), defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (ankle), cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee) and tight end Blake Bell (illness).
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 21 Updates
7:05 p.m. – It was a small moment, but a fun one.
With the Cowboys facing a 3rd-and-1 from the San Francisco 5-yard line on Sunday, they opted to pick up the first down with a quarterback sneak. Of course, the quarterback wasn't Andy Dalton.
Blake Bell works in the NFL as a tight end, but he rushed for 631 yards and 24 touchdowns as a dual-threat quarterback at Oklahoma. So it made perfect sense that it was Bell who motioned in from his tight end spot and took the snap right up the gut for two yards.
The Cowboys weren't the first team to try this in 2020, as Washington pulled it off last month with fellow tight end Logan Thomas – another former quarterback. But offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said he actually got the idea much earlier than that.
"The first time I saw it was Hawaii a couple years ago, we were looking at some receiver – I apologize, I don't remember the kid's name. But he was running it two years ago at Hawaii," Moore said. "I thought it was a good one. I never really thought about it much last year. This year, we kind of talked about it and Washington – lo and behold – pulled it out. So we were like 'Ah, we need to get on this trend.'"
In the same weekend, the Miami Dolphins and the Alabama Crimson Tide ran the same play – proving just how far and wide football teams will look to find something that works.
--------------------------------------------
5:26 p.m. - Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch could be out for the rest of the season, as the Cowboys have just two regular-season games still on the schedule.
Monday evening, head coach Mike McCarthy said he's not expecting his middle linebacker to be on the field Sunday against the Eagles.
"I don't see Leighton having a chance to play this week," McCarthy said in his press conference. The coach added that he thinks LVE could be out multiple weeks.
Vander Esch suffered a sprained ankle in the second half against the 49ers on Sunday and did not return. He left the stadium in a walking boot, calling it a "high-ankle sprain."
--------------------------------------------
5:08 p.m. - Veteran linebacker Sean Lee could get more snaps here in the final two games of the season, especially with Leighton Vander Esch expected to be sidelined.
Could this be the end of the road for Lee, who has played for 10 seasons and even mulled retirement before coming back this season?
While it's been speculated that Lee could decide to enter coaching, that question was asked to head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday.
"If you're dumb enough to get into coaching, we should definitely talk," McCarthy quipped, adding that he's had a brief conversation with Lee about the possibility of him becoming a coach in the future.
--------------------------------------------
5:06 p.m. - The Cowboys' entire offensive line has been changed out this season because of injuries. But the one steady spot has been left guard Connor Williams, who has continued to start in the middle various changes around him.
On Sunday, Williams played his best game, according to his head coach.
"I thought Connor Williams played his best game of the year," McCarthy said. "I thought he definitely took a big step."
The Cowboys were able to score a season-high 41 points and had a balanced attack both running and passing the ball.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 20 Updates
5:40 p.m. – Wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered a hip strain in the second half against San Francisco and did not return to the game.
Before the injury, Gallup had three catches for 26 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give the Cowboys an early 14-0 lead.
"It was really a trickery play," Gallup said. "I was acting like I was fake blocking and just snuck out to the back of the end zone."
Gallup's absence meant more opportunities for others in the passing game. Running back Tony Pollard led the team with nine targets from quarterback Andy Dalton, and backup receiver Noah Brown was third on the team with six targets, catching one pass for 13 yards.
--------------------------------------------
5:39 p.m. – With his 251st appearance, long-time Cowboys long snapper L.P. Ladouceur broke Eddie Murray's NFL record for most games played by a Canadian-born player.
"There's a lot of hard work. There's some ups and downs," said Ladouceur, who's in his 16th season. "To see a week like this, and yes there's been a lot of attention, but it's kind of cool.
"At the end of the day, I'm still a long snapper. I know my role. I know my lane. It's just cool to win a game and win two in a row for the first time this year. To see the locker room and how happy the guys were in there, that to me is what makes this so special."
Ladouceur, currently signed through this season, would have a chance next year to break Jason Witten's franchise record for most games played with the Cowboys (255).
"We'll see. It'll come down to how I feel," Ladouceur said. "If I do this job, I want to do the job right."
--------------------------------------------
5:38 p.m. – Rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs returned to the lineup Sunday after missing the previous three games with a foot fracture.
Diggs and Anthony Brown, also back from a ribs injury, appeared to be taking turns at right cornerback opposite Chidobe Awuzie against the 49ers.
"We were rotating every other series," he said. "I was just able to get back and get my feet underneath me again."
--------------------------------------------
5:37 p.m. – Tight end Blake Bell had a brief flashback to his "Belldozer" days at Oklahoma in the first quarter, when he took a direct quarterback snap near the goal-line for a 2-yard run.
"(Offensive coordinator) Kellen (Moore) called it and it was a good situation to run it," Bell said. "It felt good to get back under center."
The next play, quarterback Andy Dalton threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Michael Gallup.
--------------------------------------------
10:32 a.m. – Ezekiel Elliott (calf) is officially inactive against the 49ers today.
Head coach Mike McCarthy sounded optimistic Friday that Elliott would be able to play through a calf injury that kept him out of practice during the week, but instead, Elliott will be sidelined Sunday for the first time in his career due to injury.
That means second-year running back Tony Pollard is set to start and likely get the bulk of the work in the run game. The Cowboys elevated rookie running back Sewo Olonilua on Saturday as possible depth in case Elliott was inactive. Olonilua is active today. Rookie Rico Dowdle could also see more time.
The rest of today's inactives for Dallas: QB Ben DiNucci, WR Malik Turner, CB Rashard Robinson, DE Bradlee Anae, LB Luke Gifford and DE Ron'Dell Carter.
A knee injury will sideline Robinson today, but the Cowboys are getting three corners back in the lineup today. Rookie Trevon Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie and Anthony Brown are all active after missing time recently.
--------------------------------------------
10:32 a.m. -- Cowboys captains vs. the 49ers:
G Connor Williams (offense)
LB Jaylon Smith (defense)
LS L.P. Ladouceur (special teams)
Ladouceur is set to play his 251st career game today, which will set an NFL record for a Canadian-born player.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 19 Updates
12:17 p.m. – The Cowboys have activated rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs from the Reserve/Injured-Designated to Return list ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Diggs has been sidelined since fracturing his foot Nov. 8 against the Steelers, but he returned to practice this week.
With Diggs activated from IR, Chidobe Awuzie activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and Anthony Brown (ribs) returning to full practice this week, the Cowboys could have all three cornerbacks active in the same game for the first time since the season opener against the Rams.
Other Cowboys roster moves Saturday:
- CB Deante Burton and LB Justin March were placed on IR.
- OT Jordan Mills was signed from the practice squad.
- RB Sewo Olonilua and CB Chris Westry were elevated from the practice squad. Olonilua provides potential depth with Ezekiel Elliott (calf) listed as questionable for Sunday, but the Cowboys sound optimistic Elliott will play against the 49ers.
- Practice squad CB Saivion Smith was placed on IR-Practice Squad.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 18 Updates
3:48 p.m. – Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf), safety Xavier Woods (groin) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee) are officially questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Asked specifically about the status of Elliott and Woods on Friday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism that both will be able to play against the 49ers. Elliott has not practiced this week, and Woods was limited Thursday.
Cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) and Donovan Wilson (groin) look set to return to the lineup. Their status for Sunday is not in question, according to the official injury report.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and 49ers.
--------------------------------------------
11:22 a.m. – Ezekiel Elliott has not practiced this week due to a calf injury, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism that the veteran running back will be able to play Sunday against San Francisco.
"I would say I think understandably he's a little further away this week than he was last week because he played in the game," McCarthy said. "But I still plan on him playing Sunday. Today will be important and the amount of work he gets tomorrow (in practice) will factor. But all things look like he's going to play in the game."
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones echoed McCarthy, saying Friday on 105.3 The Fan that he anticipates Elliott being able to play.
"He wrote the book on how to play with pain," Jones said.
Despite the calf issue, Elliott had 12 carries for 48 yards in last Sunday's win over the Bengals. With three games left in the regular season, he's 168 yards away from his fourth career 1,000-yard season.
--------------------------------------------
11:21 a.m. – The NFL has not yet voted on possibly adding a 17th regular-season game to next year's schedule, but Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones personally believes that it will be in place for the 2021 season.
"I do. My personal opinion is that it will," Jones said Friday on 105.3 The Fan. "Now, we did not agree on that the other day at our meeting."
The new collective bargaining agreement, jointly agreed to by the NFL and NFLPA in March, includes adding a 17th game as early as 2021.
Following a virtual league meeting Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that a decision will be made "in the next several weeks." According to NFL media, the league has determined a formula for adding that extra game when the time comes. It will be "an interconference match-up based on divisional standings" from the previous season and rotating by division each year.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 17 Updates
4:32 p.m. – Starting safety Xavier Woods was added to Thursday's injury report with a groin injury that limited his work in practice.
Starting safety Donovan Wilson (groin) and cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) moved to full participation after being limited in Wednesday's practice.
And running back Ezekiel Elliott did not practice for the second straight day, trying to manage his sore calf this week before Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and the 49ers.
--------------------------------------------
2:41 p.m. - In an ideal world, Kellen Moore's offense wouldn't involve Andy Dalton. The Cowboys were lucky to have Dalton in the wake of Dak Prescott's season-ending ankle injury, but the offense was built around Prescott. Not Dalton. Not Garrett Gilbert. Not Ben DiNucci.
"He's been resilient, just with everything that's gone on," Dalton said of Moore. "He's been able to adjust to playing four quarterbacks this year. He's been able to adjust to some different guys being in the lineup and has given us great opportunities out there."
Moore's quarterback was supposed to be protected by an elite offensive line. It was supposed to include Blake Jarwin's breakout season. With little pass protection and a limited margin of error, Moore has allowed for collaborative play calling that takes advantage of the talent available and takes into account the flow of the game, according to Dalton.
"There's a lot of back and forth," Dalton said of Moore's approach. "Whether it's with different coaches, whether it's with thoughts that I have or just different things. I think that's what's been a lot of fun; just be able to talk throughout the game and see adjustments as they go on. We've taken everybody's ideas and he gets it narrowed down to what we all like."
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 16 Updates
5:48 p.m. — Ezekiel Elliott did not practice Wednesday due to a calf injury that limited him last week but didn't prevent him from playing against the Bengals.
Wednesday morning, head coach Mike McCarthy said Elliott didn't aggravate his calf in the Bengals game, so the Cowboys simply could be trying to manage Elliott's work leading up to Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Cornerbacks Rashard Robinson (knee) and Deante Burton (shoulder) also did not practice Wednesday.
Click HERE for the full injury report for the Cowboys and 49ers.
--------------------------------------------
2:06 p.m. – The below report was compiled by DallasCowboys.com staff writers:
The Cowboys practiced in shells Wednesday inside Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.
During the open portion:
RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf) and CB Rashard Robinson (knee) did resistance training with the athletic training staff. Robinson had a wrap on his right knee.
CBs Chidobe Awuzie (activated from Reserve/COVID-19 list), Trevon Diggs (IR-Designated to Return) and Anthony Brown (ribs) and practice squad CB Saivion Smith (hand) were all practicing. Smith had a wrap on his right hand.
CB Deante Burton was not on the field participating.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 15 Updates
3:13 p.m. – Fourth-round draft pick Reggie Robinson has been active the past two games with his first career snaps on special teams (four).
The rookie defensive back has yet to play on defense despite multiple injuries at cornerback and safety.
How's his progress been through 14 weeks of the season?
"Reggie came to us as a corner and we felt that his best position going forward was to be a little more versatile and be able to play some safety. So we moved him to safety. In practice he's worked at both," defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said.
"In his case I think he just I needs to practice more, which he gets every day. And with practice he'll get the work he's needed to develop into a better player, which is the same for all young players. There's no young player, or very few I should say, come in just ready to play and know the whole bit. In his case I just think he needs to continue to practice, work hard and when his opportunity strikes he needs to answer the bell, which I think he will."
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 14 Updates
5:50 p.m. – Head coach Mike McCarthy said he expects cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (Reserve/COVID-19 list) to return to practice Wednesday, and rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs (Reserve/Injured; foot) might be able to return to practice as early as Wednesday.
McCarthy said starter Donovan Wilson (groin) has a chance to practice Wednesday, too, but like Diggs' status, right now "these are all maybes."
Diggs, the Cowboys' second-round draft pick, has been on IR since Nov. 18 after fracturing his foot against the Steelers. The Cowboys would have to start the 21-day practice window for Diggs to practice while still on IR.
Awuzie was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list last Thursday and did not play against the Bengals.
The Cowboys have also been without cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) the last two games. They were further depleted at corner Sunday when backups Rashard Robinson (knee) and Saivion Smith (hand) got hurt in the second half, but both were able to return to the game.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 13 Updates
5:54 p.m. – While Zeke finished with just 48 rushing yards, he moved into third place on the Cowboys' all-time rushing list, passing Don Perkins (6,217 rushing yards).
Elliott now has 6,237 yards, and trails only a couple of Hall of Famers in Emmitt Smith (17,132) and Tony Dorsett (12,036).
On a short week coming off a Tuesday night game, Zeke was limited in practice because of a calf injury.
This year, Elliott has 832 rushing yards and will need to average 56 yards per game over the next three weeks to reach 1,000.
--------------------------------------------
5:29 p.m.- Being on the sideline for the first play of the game isn't the norm for D-Law.
"Nah, they called base defense. I wasn't in on base, so I had to run off," said Lawrence, who stepped on the field on the second play and forced a fumble by Bengals RB Gionvani Bernard. "Just trying to retrace, do my job, set the edge. Seen the running back inside so I just came back downhill, you know, punch the ball out. Just giving maximum effort on the play and got lucky."
Lawrence might have been "lucky" but it seemed to set the tone. The Cowboys forced a fumble on the next drive that led to a 78-yard fumble return by Aldon Smith, followed by a forced fumble from Darian Thompson on the next drive.
It marked the first time in 25 years the Cowboys forced a fumble on the first three possessions of the game.
--------------------------------------------
5:24 p.m. – After missing three field goals last week, including a couple from 50 yards or more, Greg Zuerlein bounced back this week against the Bengals.
The veteran kicked made all three attempts, topped off by a 55-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Zuerlein entered the game just 1-of-6 on kicks over 50 yards.
"Yeah, I haven't been very good from deeper kicks, which, you know that's how I got into this league is being good at that," Zuerlein said. "So to make that one, it makes you happy but at the end of the day, you've got to do it consistently. So that's what I got to do—be better at."
This year, Zuerlein has made 25 of 31 field goals, with five of the six misses occurring over 50 yards.
--------------------------------------------
12:23 p.m. – Aldon Smith scored his first touchdown of his career on a scoop-and-score from 78 yards out, giving the Cowboys a 10-0 lead over the Bengals in the first quarter.
Smith, who has been out of football since 2015, had just two fumble recoveries in his career that began with the 49ers in 2011.
Smith's return is the longest fumble return by the Cowboys since Greg Ellis (98 yards) in 1999 and the fifth-longest in franchise history.
It's the second fumble return for a touchdown by the Cowboys this year after Anthony Brown's score against the Giants in Week 5.
--------------------------------------------
10:46 a.m. – It sounds like there will be a shakeup at the defensive tackle spot Sunday in Cincinnati.
The Cowboys released their seven inactives 90 minute prior to kickoff, and perhaps the most notable name was defensive tackle Eli Ankou, who was a healthy scratch.
In his place, rookie defensive lineman Ron'Dell Carter will make his NFL debut. Carter signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He briefly left the team to sign with Indianapolis Colts, but he was claimed off the waiver wire when the Colts cut him in November.
Ankou played 49% of the defensive snaps Tuesday night in Baltimore, so it will likely fall to Carter, as well as Justin Hamilton and Tyrone Crawford to fill that void.
Ben DiNucci, Malik Turner, Donovan Wilson, Anthony Brown, Luke Gifford and Bradlee Anae were also ruled out for the game. Brown and Wilson were ruled out Saturday with rib and groin injuries, respectively, while the other four are healthy scratches.
With injuries across the secondary, it will fall on Rashard Robinson, Deante Burton and Chris Westry to fill that gap.
--------------------------------------------
10:45 a.m. -- Cowboys captains for Sunday's game against the Bengals:
QB Andy Dalton (offense)
CB Jourdan Lewis (defense)
LB Francis Bernard (special teams)
Dalton, of course, is facing his old Bengals team for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys in May.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 12 Updates
1:37 p.m. - Rookie center Tyler Biadasz has been taken off the Reserved/Injured list and could play this week against the Bengals.
Biadasz suffered a hamstring injury in the pregame warm-ups vs. Pittsburgh last month and was unable to play in that game. Prior to the injury the fourth-round pick had started four straight games.
Biadasz returned to practice this week and could possibly even start in the middle ahead of Joe Looney.
The Cowboys have shuffled the O-Line around all season and Looney has experience at guard, making it likely that he could be in another spot if the Cowboys decide to go to Biadasz.
--------------------------------------------
1:30 p.m. - The Cowboys will continue to have depth issues in the secondary this week as both safety Donovan Wilson (groin) and cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) have been ruled out for Sunday's game in Cincinnati.
The Cowboys have elevated CB Saivion Smith to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement for Chido Awuzie.
The team also elevated CB Chris Westry to the active roster.
The cornerbacks available for Sunday will include Jourdan Lewis, Rashard Robinson, Deante Burton, Smith and Westry. C.J. Goodwin is also a corner but plays mostly on special teams.
At safety, Darian Thompson will start for Wilson alongside Xavier Woods. Rookie Reggie Robinson is also listed at safety.
--------------------------------------------
1:28 p.m. - The second-year linebacker is back on the active roster after serving a two-game suspension.
Gifford was out two weeks after violating the league's policy on performing-enhancing substances.
To make room for Gifford, the Cowboys placed OT Cam Erving on the Reserved/Injured list.
The Cowboys also decided to elevate OT William Sweet from the practice squad to the roster to add some depth at tackle.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 11 Updates
4:32 p.m. – Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf), cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) are listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.
Elliott and Brown practiced on a limited basis this week. Elliott told reporters Thursday that he intends to play through the calf bruise Sunday.
"I'm sure it's going to be sore during the game, but it's Week 13, everyone's going to be sore," Elliott said. "I don't think it will limit me much at all."
Wilson did not practice this week due to a groin injury that sidelined him Tuesday against Baltimore.
Offensive tackle Cameron Erving (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game and placed on Reserve/Injured with a sprained knee that sidelined him Tuesday against Baltimore and most of the Washington game.
Click here for the full injury reports for the Cowboys and Bengals.
--------------------------------------------
12:34 p.m. - The Cowboys practiced in shells today inside Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.The practice was closed to the media, but here is a pool report from DallasCowboys.com.
- Defensive end Aldon Smith (foot), who was limited on Thursday, was participating on Friday.
- Offensive tackle Cameron Erving (knee) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) were not practicing.
- Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) and guard Zack Martin (Reserve/Injured; calf) were doing resistance training with the athletic training staff.
- Center Tyler Biadasz, moved to Reserve/Injured-Designated for Return on Thursday, was practicing.
- Linebacker Luke Gifford, who was placed on Reserve/Exempt following his two-game league-mandated suspension, also participated in today's practice.
- Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, was not present.
-------------------------------------------
Dec. 10 Updates
4:38 p.m. – The Cowboys placed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, according to the NFL's official transactions page.
The list is for players who either test positive for COVID-19 or come in contact with someone who has. The NFL does not specify which.
Awuzie has started five games this season, including the past three. He previously spent six games on Reserve/Injured with a hamstring injury.
--------------------------------------------
4:37 p.m. – Rookie center Tyler Biadasz has been designated for return off Reserve/Injured, according to the NFL's official transactions page.
That means Biadasz can return to practice and the Cowboys can activate him at any time within the next 21 days.
A four-game starter at center this season, Biadasz has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.
--------------------------------------------
4:36 p.m. – Defensive end Aldon Smith (foot) was added to Thursday's injury report and was a limited participant in the Cowboys' walkthrough practice.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) and cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) also had limited participation Thursday. Offensive tackle Cameron Erving (knee) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) did not practice.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Sunday's opponent, the Bengals.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 9 Updates
6:16 p.m. – Ezekiel Elliott showed up on the Cowboys' practice report Wednesday as a limited participant due to a calf injury after playing the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday night.
The team did not practice Wednesday, so the limited designation was an estimation.
"The early report on Zeke is that we don't see him doing a whole lot obviously at practice Thursday and Friday," head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday evening. "We'll have more information as the week goes on."
Elliott carried the ball 18 times Tuesday night for 77 yards and struggled to find consistent traction against the Ravens' run defense. The loss dropped the Cowboys to 3-9 and two games out of first place in the NFC East with four games left to play.
With an unusually short week, Elliott's health and status approaching Sunday's game against the Bengals is worth monitoring. Running back Tony Pollard carried the ball eight times for 22 yards against the Ravens.
--------------------------------------------
6:16 p.m. – Ezekiel Elliott showed up on the Cowboys' practice report Wednesday as a limited participant due to a calf injury after playing the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday night.
The team did not practice Wednesday, so Elliott's limited participation was an estimation.
"The early report on Zeke is that we don't see him doing a whole lot obviously at practice Thursday and Friday," head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday evening. "We'll have more information as the week goes on."
Elliott carried the ball 18 times Tuesday night for 77 yards and struggled to find consistent traction against the Ravens' run defense. The loss dropped the Cowboys to 3-9 and two games out of first place in the NFC East with four games left to play.
With an unusually short week, Elliott's health and status approaching Sunday's game against the Bengals is worth monitoring. Running back Tony Pollard carried the ball eight times for 22 yards against the Ravens.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 8 Updates
12:38 a.m. – CeeDee Lamb saw a signature moment slip through his hands – quite literally.
Just a few weeks after Arizona receiver DeAndre Hopkins lit up the NFL with an amazing Hail Mary touchdown grab, Lamb had the same opportunity. With time winding down on the first half, Andy Dalton cocked his arm from midfield and looked for the rookie receiver in the middle of the end zone.
Surrounded by Baltimore defenders, Lamb still managed to sky up above the fray – only for Dalton's pass to squeak right between his outstretched hands and down to the ground.
"It was really just bad judgment," Lamb said. "I kind of -- it felt like I was the only one that jumped. I kind of got rose above everybody. It was just, like I said, bad judgment on the ball."
Had he caught it, Lamb would have been able to tie the game up at 17-17 heading into halftime. It also would have been a heck of a highlight to add to an already-impressive rookie campaign.
Instead, like much of what happened Tuesday night, it was a missed opportunity.
--------------------------------------------
11:57 p.m. – The Cowboys didn't win Tuesday night, but their banged-up offensive line held up pretty well despite two more starting offensive tackles (Zack Martin, Cameron Erving) sidelined by injury.
Against the Ravens' stout defensive front, the Cowboys' reworked offensive line – Brandon Knight, Connor Williams, Joe Looney, Connor McGovern and Terence Steele – allowed just one sack in 48 pass attempts by quarterback Andy Dalton.
Dalton finished the game 31-of-48 for 285 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
"I thought our guys played really well up front," Dalton said. "To go against that Baltimore defense who is known for their guys up front, blitz scheme and all that stuff, I thought we communicated very well, and the guys played really well. They gave me time back there."
--------------------------------------------
6:23 p.m. – It's a receiver kind of night for the Cowboys' captains.
The team announced its three captains prior to kickoff on Tuesday night. Michael Gallup is captaining the offense, while Cedrick Wilson is captaining the special teams units.
Randy Gregory, who was reinstated from a league suspension in October, is captaining the Cowboys' defense.
--------------------------------------------
5:50 p.m. – Here are the Cowboys' seven inactive players for Tuesday night's game at Baltimore:
- QB Ben DiNucci
- WR Malik Turner
- CB Anthony Brown
- SS Donovan Wilson
- DE Bradlee Anae
- OT Cameron Erving
- DE Ron'Dell Carter
Rookie safety Reggie Robinson is active for the first time in his career. With Parker on IR and Wilson out Tuesday, the fourth-round draft pick might pitch in on special teams even if he doesn't see snaps at safety.
Guard Zack Martin and safety Steven Parker will also not be available against the Ravens. The Cowboys placed both players on Reserve/Injured Monday.
--------------------------------------------
11:19 a.m. – The Cowboys have made two practice squad elevations ahead of Tuesday night's game: offensive tackle Jordan Mills and cornerback Saivion Smith.
If active against the Ravens, Mills and Smith would add depth at two depleted positions for the Cowboys.
Starting offensive tackles Zack Martin (calf; Reserve/Injured) and Cameron Erving (knee) have been ruled out of Tuesday's game. Mills, a seven-year veteran, has 84 career starts with the Cardinals, Bills and Bears.
Starting cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) has also been ruled out Tuesday. Smith has appeared in four games this season, primarily on special teams.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 7 Updates
3:10 p.m. – The Cowboys have downgraded safety Donovan Wilson and cornerback to Anthony Brown from questionable to out of Tuesday's game against the Ravens.
Wilson, the hard-hitting second-year safety who has emerged as a starter in recent weeks, has been unable to practice this week due to a groin injury suffered against Washington.
Brown practiced on a limited basis this week, but he will miss his second straight game with a ribs injury.
The Cowboys signed cornerbacks Deante Burton and Rashard Robinson from the practice squad to the active roster. Guard/tackle Zack Martin (calf) and Steven Parker (ankle) were placed on Reserve/Injured for a minimum of three weeks.
--------------------------------------------
3:09 p.m. – The Ravens announced they activated quarterback Lamar Jackson from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, just in time for Tuesday night's game against the Cowboys.
Jackson was unavailable for the Ravens' loss to Pittsburgh last Wednesday but has been cleared to return against Dallas. The defending NFL MVP has 15 touchdown passes and six interceptions, along with 575 rushing yards and three touchdowns, in 10 games this season.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 5 Updates
3:30 p.m. – Starting defensive end Aldon Smith (illness) returned to practice Saturday with full participation, a good sign for his availability Tuesday against the Ravens.
Smith is one of four Cowboys officially listed as questionable for the road game at Baltimore. Cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) has practiced on a limited basis the last two days. Safety Donovan Wilson, who has emerged as a starter in recent weeks, injured his groin last week against Washington and hasn't practiced the last two days. Safety Steven Parker (ankle) has been sidelined this week, too.
Starting offensive tackles Zack Martin (calf) and Cameron Erving (knee) have been ruled out of Tuesday's game. Both were injured in the first quarter against Washington and are expected to be sidelined multiple weeks.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Ravens.
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 4 Updates
4:09 p.m. – Starting safety Donovan Wilson has been added to this week's injury report with a groin injury that kept him out of Friday's practice.
Wilson has been a bright spot on defense this season. The second-year safety has a team-best three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his first year as a starter.
Offensive tackle/guard Zack Martin (calf), offensive tackle Cam Erving (knee), defensive end Aldon Smith and safety Steven Parker (ankle) did not practice Friday. Cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) had limited participation.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Ravens.
--------------------------------------------
12:42 p.m. – It doesn't sound like the season is quite over for two of the Cowboys' promising young players.
Asked Friday morning about the possibility of Tyler Biadasz and Trevon Diggs returning to the field this season, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he was optimistic.
"There's a chance we could have them back, and we want them back," he told 105.3 FM The Fan.
Both rookies worked their way into the starting lineup in 2020, and made the most of those opportunities before injury struck in Week 9. Biadasz strained his hamstring during warmups before kickoff against Pittsburgh, while Diggs broke a bone in his foot during the fourth quarter of that 24-19 loss.
If either player can return before the end of the season, it sounds like the Cowboys would prefer as many reps as possible.
"There's no reason not to put them out there the minute they can play, because we got the entire offseason ahead of us," Jones said.
--------------------------------------------
12:35 p.m. – Jerry Jones can find the positives in this trying season, and there seems to be a theme.
The Cowboys' owner and general manager was asked about little victories for 2020, and he was quick with his answer.
"I like what 92, Armstrong -- I'm seeing him have some little victories out there — not little," he said. "They're not little, but since we're using that vernacular."
This isn't the first time Jones has mentioned the third-year defensive end, who has seen an uptick in playing time since Everon Griffen was traded. So far this season, Armstrong has 21 tackles and a fumble recovery as part of the Cowboys' pass rush rotation.
Not just Armstrong, but Jones mentioned the opportunity for a lot of young players as a bright spot in a season that hasn't seen many of them. With any luck, it will pay dividends moving forward.
"We're getting great reps from a lot of young players," he said. "That has paid off for teams in the NFL forever, and that's how they come from back in the pack to the front of the pack, is not only do they have a lot of talent, but they got a lot of repetitions that they get in during these stages of a team that's struggling."
--------------------------------------------
Dec. 3 Updates
3:30 p.m. - The Cowboys haven't been able to stay healthy at the cornerback position all year long, yet to have their top four cornerbacks play together in a game this year.
Perhaps that could happen here at the end of the season if rookie Trevon Diggs can return to action.
The second-round pick suffered a broken foot on Nov. 8 against Pittsburgh. Diggs has missed the last two games but Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said there's a chance he can get back on the field at some point this month.
"I think he's got a great opportunity," Jones said of Diggs. "I've seen him do some work this week. He's out of his boot. He's a competitive guy and I think he's going to be a great one for us. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he gets back a little sooner than we thought."
--------------------------------------------
3:15 p.m. – The Cowboys didn't practice Thursday, but their first official injury report of the week estimates that cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs), offensive tackle Cam Erving (knee), tackle/guard Zack Martin (calf), safety Steven Parker (ankle) and defensive Aldon Smith (illness) would not have practiced.
Next Tuesday's opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, also did not practice Thursday following their rescheduled game against Pittsburgh.
--------------------------------------------
Nov. 26 Updates
On Sunday, CeeDee Lamb had one of the greatest catches of the season and had other key moments in a dramatic win.
But four days later, it was a different story for the rookie.
This time, Lamb dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone that would've tied the game. He also didn't come up with a fourth-down catch in the second quarter that proved to be a pivotal play.
""No, at the end of the day I just didn't make the play," Lamb said. "That's pretty much all I got to say."
Lamb finished the day with five catches for 21 yards.
--------------------------------------------
9:36 p.m. – Coming off a season-high 103 yards against Minnesota four days ago, Ezekiel Elliott and the running game never got rolling against Washington.
Elliott had just 10 carries Thursday, finishing the game with 32 yards. He also lost his fifth fumble of the season, a career-high, leading to a Washington field goal in the Cowboys' 47-16 loss.
"Just trying to fight for extra yards. I think maybe a foot kicked it out before I got down," he said.
--------------------------------------------
3:57 p.m. – Both Cowboys starting offensive tackles got injured on the offense's opening drive against Washington.
Zack Martin, making his second straight start at right tackle, limped off the field at the end of Dallas' field goal drive and headed for the locker room with assistance from the athletic training staff. He has been ruled out of the game with a calf injury.
Cam Erving suffered a knee injury during an 11-yard scramble by quarterback Andy Dalton earlier in the possession. He is questionable to return to the game.
Brandon Knight and Terence Steele are filling in at left and right tackle, respectively.
--------------------------------------------
2:10 p.m. – Anthony Brown won't be available for Thanksgiving.
There had been hope that the veteran corner, who injured his ribs Sunday in Minnesota, might be able to fight his way through the pain and play against Washington. That won't be the case.
Brown is the headliner among the Cowboys' seven inactives, along with Ben DiNucci, Malik Turner, Reggie Robinson, Bradlee Anae, Greg Senat and Ron'Dell Carter.
The rest of those aren't surprising. It's the same combination of unproven rookies and veteran depth signings that we've seen throughout the season. It is curious that Reggie Robinson, this year's fourth-round draft pick, is not being asked to address the depth concerns in the secondary – but the rookie has yet to be active this season, so it's hardly surprising.
Instead, it'll be two practice squad additions who help fill Brown's absence. Rashard Robinson and Deante Burton were called up from the practice squad on Wednesday, and they'll round out the depth chart behind Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis.
--------------------------------------------
2:10 p.m. -- Captains today vs. Washington:
TE Dalton Schultz (offense)
S Donovan Wilson (defense)
LB Joe Thomas (special teams)
--------------------------------------------
Nov. 25 Updates
3:29 p.m. — CB Anthony Brown (ribs) and kicker Greg Zuerlein (back) are officially questionable for Thursday's game against Washington.
Both players had limited participation in Wednesday's practice. Monday, Mike McCarthy sounded confident Zuerlein would be ready. Brown's practice work is encouraging for Thursday, too.
The Cowboys did elevate cornerbacks Rashard Robinson and Deante Burton from the practice squad for depth Thursday in case Brown is limited or doesn't play.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Washington.
--------------------------------------------
2:45 p.m. – The Cowboys made some roster moves ahead of Thursday's game against Washington, signing center Adam Redmond from the practice squad and elevating cornerbacks Deante Burton and Rashard Robinson from the practice squad.
Robinson also was elevated from the practice squad last Saturday and played a lot in the second half against Minnesota after starter Anthony Brown suffered a ribs injury.
--------------------------------------------
