Don't miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys' regular season. Presented by Sleep Number
Jan. 1 Updates
3:33 p.m. – The Cowboys on Saturday activated wide receiver Noah Brown from Injured Reserve/Designated for Return and wide receiver Simi Fehoko from Reserve/COVID-19.
The club also elevated safety Darian Thompson as a COVID-19 replacement. Defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna and linebackers Keanu Neal and Francis Bernard are on Reserve/COVID-19 this week.
Offensive tackle Aviante Collins is back on the practice squad from the Practice Squad/COVID-19 list.
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Dec. 31 Updates
3:41 p.m. – Tyron Smith's status for Sunday's game against Arizona is not in question, according to the official injury report, which means the Pro Bowl left tackle looks set to return to the lineup after a two-game absence because of an ankle injury.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Cardinals.
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3:40 p.m. – Linebacker Keanu Neal has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list for the second time this season.
Neal missed two games in the first month of the season because of COVID-19. A regular contributor in the linebacker rotation, Neal ranks third on the team in tackles (72).
The Cowboys are now heading into Sunday's game against Arizona with two linebackers (Neal and Francis Bernard) on Reserve/COVID-19. Linebacker Devante Bond, signed to the practice squad earlier this week, is an option to be elevated from the practice squad.
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1:01 p.m. – One loss and one gain for the Cowboys on Friday morning.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy revealed during his daily press conference that rookie defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. Bohanna was the only absence at the Cowboys' Thursday practice.
On the bright side, McCarthy is optimistic that Tyron Smith will be back in the lineup on Sunday against Arizona. Smith has missed the last two games after re-aggravating an ankle injury against Washington on Dec. 12, but he has been a limited participant in practice this week. McCarthy said he thought Smith would upgrade to full participation by the end of the week.
If Smith plays against the Cardinals, it will be the first time the Cowboys have played a game with all five of their preferred offensive line starters from training camp.
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Dec. 30 Updates
3:22 p.m. - The Cowboys added rookie defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna to the injury report on Thursday with an undisclosed illness.
Boahanna, a sixth-round pick from Kentucky, has played in all but one game this year, although he's been more of a rotational player. He recorded two tackles last week against Washington and has 12 for the season.
The Cowboys have not added any players to the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week.
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1:21 p.m. -Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who missed last week's game with Washington due to COVID-19 protocols, was back on the field Thursday.
Lewis has been activated from the list and back on the 53-man roster. He is expected to play against the Cardinals Sunday.
Last week, rookie Kelvin Joseph started the game while Anthony Brown slid into the slot to replace Lewis. It's likely Joseph will still get some snaps on Sunday as the Cowboys take on Kyler Murray and a speedy group of Arizona receivers.
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Dec. 29 Updates
4:13 pm - Fresh off scoring his first touchdown of his NFL career, DeMarcus Lawrence was limited in Wednesday's practice at The Star.
He was held out of some practice portions as he manages the foot injury that kept him out over half of the regular season before he returned on Dec. 2 in New Orleans.
After the last three games have included a combination of sacks, forced fumbles and pressure that led to turnovers,Tank scored on an impressive interception return against Washington, producing the Cowboys' sixth defensive touchdown of the season.
This week, Lawrence and the defense will need to be full rested as they face speedy Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray.
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11:18 a.m. — The Cowboys have managed to fare well recently without Tyron Smith, who has missed the past two games with an ankle issue. But the team likely won't feel as confident in their chances at a deep postseason run until the Pro Bowl left tackle is back on the field.
The chances of Smith's return coming this Sunday against Arizona are looking more and more likely, assuming he doesn't have any setbacks in practice this week.
Wednesday morning, head coach McCarthy said that Smith would practice with the team later that day.
"I would expect Tyron from a minimum to be limited," McCarthy said before adding that there was still a possibility that he would be a full participant in the day's light practice.
Terence Steele has taken the majority of snaps at left tackle in Smith's absence.
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Dec. 28 Updates
3:17 p.m. – It's not a coincidence that the Dallas pass rush has hit the ground running.
Much was made over the course of the season about the Cowboys adding injured players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Neville Gallimore and Randy Gregory back to their rotation.
Their impact has been immediate. In the month since those guys started returning from the lineup, the Cowboys have tallied an incredible 12 sacks and 14 takeaways in the last four games.
To hear it from defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, that's a testament to players staying engaged while waiting for their chance to return.
"I think that's why, in this particular group when we had guys on IR or guys who were out, and they were still a big part of the meetings," Quinn said. "To keep their focus to do that, I think allowed them to get back into the mix faster. So a guy like Law, who was out six or eight weeks or Neville, who was out even longer. They were in the meetings. They were in it. They didn't just step away and do their rehab and then step back into the moment."
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Dec. 27 Updates
3:23 p.m. – The Cowboys are "very optimistic" that left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) will be able to return to the lineup Sunday against Arizona, Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan.
This past Sunday, Smith missed his second straight game, and fifth of the season, with an ankle injury that has bothered him on and off on the last few weeks.
"To have him back is going to really be a great addition back to this offensive line that I think can only help improve us," Jones said.
Terence Steele continued to fill in at left tackle Sunday against Washington and caught his first career touchdown, at any level of football, as an eligible receiver in the red zone.
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3:20 p.m. – Linebacker Francis Bernard tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
Bernard is in his second season with the team. He has been active for the past nine games, playing primarily special teams, but injured his groin in Sunday's win over Washington.
As of Sunday, defensive tackle Trysten Hill, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, safety Malik Hooker, wide receiver Simi Fehoko and running back JaQuan Hardy were in COVID protocol.
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3:19 p.m. -- With Jourdan Lewis on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph got his first career start Sunday against Washington and had three tackles (one for loss) along with two pass breakups.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn continues to be impressed with the second-round draft pick, who's settling in on defense after spending the first six weeks of the season on injured reserve with a groin injury.
"I thought he played with a lot of confidence and I knew that he would," Quinn said. "I thought he'd play well. He's been preparing well in practice so you have a good chance when that comes to come up. But what I did like was at the line of scrimmage, and I think you guys probably saw that too, where he could really get his hands on somebody and lock them out. I thought he had a couple good tackles, in fact one a TFL on one of the swing screens. But for his first moment, it was exciting to see him get in and do all the things he's been working on."
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3:20 p.m. - Whether or not Dak Prescott was in a "slump" or not, he seemed to pass his way out of it Sunday night. Dak's 330-yard passing game against Washington made him one of three finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week.
Prescott, who threw four touchdowns in the first half and finished the game with a 131.4 passer rating, joins Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Buffalo's Josh Allen as this week's finalists.
Fans can vote
Voting is open for fans until Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. CT at NFL.com/FedEx each week of the season. Fans can also vote on Twitter via the @NFL published polls and on the NFL Mobile App.
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Dec. 26 Updates
11:03 p.m. – With another sack Sunday night, Parsons is getting close to the NFL record for most sacks by a rookie.
The Cowboys' do-it-all linebacker has 13 sacks, needing two more to pass Jevon Kearse, who had 14.5 with the Titans in 1999.
Parsons is tied for third-most in NFL history among rookies along with Reggie White (1985) and Leslie O'Neal (1986). Former Cowboys DE Aldon Smith had 14.0 sacks with the 49ers as a rookie in 2011.
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10:55 p.m. – Just minutes after he thought he had recovered a fumble that the officials said wasn't a play that could be challenge, Golston ended up with the ball – in the end zone – for a touchdown after a blocked punt by Corey Clement.
Golston became the third new player to score a touchdown for the Cowboys Sunday night, upping their franchise record to 19 players to find the end zone this year.
Golston is the second rookie to score, along with Nahshon Wright, who also recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.
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10:00 p.m. –The Cowboys' dominant performance against the Washington Football Team felt like it featured a little bit of everything, and as far as Dak Prescott's night was concerned, it basically did.
Prescott became the first player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass to a running back (Ezekiel Elliott), a wide receiver (Amari Cooper), a tight end (Dalton Schultz), and an offensive lineman (Terence Steele) in the same game, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
It's a strange record to hold, but what makes it all the more impressive is that Prescott threw those touchdown passes to all four positions in the first half of the game.
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6:00 p.m. – Not much in the way of surprises for the Cowboys in Week 16.
The team announced its inactives Sunday evening, 90 minutes prior to kickoff against Washington. Due to their issues with COVID-19 this week, they only needed to make four players unavailable: Will Grier, Kyron Brown, Israel Mukuamu and Tyron Smith.
Smith was ruled out Friday, as he continues to battle back from an ankle injury. The other three are healthy scratches. Brown was called up from the practice squad on Saturday to help offset the loss of Jourdan Lewis for the weekend, but the coaching staff opted to go ahead with Maurice Canady.
Canady was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and has practiced just once since sustaining a concussion in October. He may be called upon to help the Cowboys' secondary cope without Lewis, as well as Malik Hooker. To help address the loss of Hooker to COVID-19, the Cowboys also activated Donovan Wilson from injured reserve.
Rookie linebacker Jamin Davis is inactive for Washington, along with Curtis Samuel, Brian Johnson, Antonio Gandy-Goldn, William Jackson III and Corn Elder.
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3:18 p.m. – The Cowboys made several moves in their secondary to address their issues with COVID-19 on Saturday.
With Jourdan Lewis and Malik Hooker both on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Cowboys activated Donovan Wilson from the reserve/designated to return list. They also moved Maurice Canady to the reserve/designated to return and subsequently activated him at the same time.
The implication is obvious. With Lewis, the Cowboys' primary slot corner all season, unavailable, the Cowboys are bringing in Canady as added depth in the slot. Anthony Brown should also help offset the loss of Lewis, as he has the flexibility to shift inside. If that were to happen, it might open the door for Kelvin Joseph to get his first meaningful reps at cornerback this season.
Daontae Kazee and Jayron Kearse have been the Cowboys' starting safeties for most of this season, but it's a good bet Wilson will take over Hooker's role as a subpackage third safety.
The Cowboys also elevated defensive backs Kyron Brown and Darian Thompson from the practice squad.
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Dec. 24 Updates
2:12 p.m. – The Cowboys will likely be without another key defensive player now due to Covid as slot corner Jourdan Lewis has been placed on the Reserve/Covid list on Saturday. The Cowboys also put rookie receiver Simi Fehoko on the list as well.
Lewis, who had an interception last week against the Giants, is one of the top three cornerbacks in the rotation and usually lines up inside.
Expect rookie Kelvin Joseph to have a larger role in the defense on Sunday.
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2:09 p.m. – While Smith was named to his eighth Pro Bowl this week, he will not play in Sunday night's game with Washington due to a lingering ankle injury.
Smith missed three games with the injury last month, then returned to play at New Orleans and Washington, where he re-injured the ankle and couldn't finish the game.
Smith did not play against the Giants last Sunday, but is expected to make a return before the end of the regular season.
Here's a look at the entire injury report for Dallas/Washington.
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Dec. 23 Updates
10:14 p.m. -- At 10-4 with three games left in the regular season, a playoff spot has seemed like a formality. Now it's a reality.
The Cowboys officially clinched a playoff berth thanks to San Francisco's 20-17 loss to Tennessee on Thursday night.
Currently the Cowboys are the NFC's No. 2 seed behind the Packers (11-3), and they've got a chance to win the NFC East this weekend. Here are the Week 16 division-clinching scenarios for Dallas.
The Cowboys' three remaining games are vs. Washington (6-8), vs. Arizona (10-4) and at Philadelphia (7-7). Riding a three-game win streak on the road, the Cowboys' matchup against Washington on Sunday will be their first game back home at AT&T Stadium since Thanksgiving Day.
"We all understand that we need to get this next game and we know what our NFC record is (8-1) and all those things," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday. "...At the end of the day, we have to take care of what's in front of us. We've got three NFC games and all are excellent opponents that are also fighting. To me, I think it's a good place to be."
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3:08 p.m. — Safety Malik Hooker is now in the league's COVID-19 protocol, joining running back JaQuan Hardy on the Reserve/COVID list.
Hooker just had his most productive game as a Cowboy, posting six tackles and his first interception of the season in last Sunday's 21-6 win over the Giants.
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3:07 p.m. – Tyron Smith did not practice again Thursday, though head coach Mike McCarthy said Smith would try to ramp up his rehab with the athletic training staff as the Pro Bowl left tackle works back from an ankle injury.
Wide receiver Simi Fehoko (illness), safety Israel Mukuamu (illness) and cornerback Nahshon Wright (illness) were added to Thursday's practice report and did not practice.
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11:39 p.m. – Rookie running back JaQuan Hardy is now in the league's COVID-19 protocol after a positive test.
Hardy was active the last two games as a standard practice squad elevation because running back Tony Pollard has been dealing with a foot injury.
Two assistant coaches, assistant special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and defensive line coach Aden Durde, are also in COVID protocol.
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Dec. 22 Updates
3:03 p.m. – Left tackle Tyron Smith did not participate in Wednesday's light practice, but his ankle injury is "getting better," according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
"Much better than he was last week," McCarthy said of Smith, who did injury rehab work during practice.
Smith did not play against the Giants after aggravating the ankle in the first meeting against Washington. Terence Steele and Ty Nsekhe rotated at left tackle in his place.
Running back Tony Pollard (foot) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) had limited practice participation Wednesday. Both worked off to the side with the athletic training staff during the portion open to media. But the Cowboys managed both players' practice work last week, too, and both were able to play against the Giants.
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11:03 a.m. – Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (COVID protocols) has been cleared to return to The Star, the Cowboys announced Wednesday.
The Cowboys are holding a light practice Wednesday as they resume on-field work heading into Sunday's home game against Washington.
"We're going to be smart with him," head coach Mike McCarthy said of Odighizuwa. "Just got to see where he is (from a conditioning standpoint)."
Defensive tackle Trysten Hill is still in COVID protocol. Hill and Odighizuwa did not play against the Giants last Sunday.
McCarthy said left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) will focus on injury rehab Wednesday.
"Getting better," McCarthy said. "Much better than he was last week."
The team is hopeful Blake Jarwin (injured reserve) can resume on-field work next week or the week after, McCarthy said.
Also, the Cowboys started the 21-day practice windows for rookie offensive tackle Josh Ball (injured reserve) and wide receiver T.J. Vasher (non-football injury list). Both players can be activated at any point during the next 21 days.
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Dec. 21 Updates
4:01 p.m. – The Cowboys have placed another assistant coach in their COVID-19 protocol.
Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde was added to the protocol Tuesday afternoon, joining assistant special teams coach Matt Daniels on the list.
Durde is in his first season as the Cowboys' defensive line coach, as he joined Dan Quinn's staff after spending time under Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons. He also interned on the Cowboys' coaching staff under Jason Garrett after completing his playing career as one of the initial members of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program.
Originally from the London area, Durde played several seasons in Europe and spent time with both the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs before beginning his coaching career.
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4 p.m. -- The Panthers claimed defensive end Azur Kamara off waivers from the Cowboys.
Kamara made the Cowboys' roster after a productive training camp performance that was prominently featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks." He was active for five games this season, primarily on special teams, and recorded two tackles in 34 snaps on defense.
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Dec. 20 Updates
3:52 p.m. – The Cowboys have officially released pass-rusher Azur Kamara on Monday.
The second-year pro from Kansas has played in 10 games this year, but mostly on special teams and spot-duty on defense.
The former star of HBO's Hard Knocks back in the preseason, Kamara has two tackles on defense and one on special teams.
The Cowboys also waived wide receiver Osirus Mitchell from the practice squad, possibly opening up a spot for Kamara, if he clears waivers.
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2:28 p.m. –The Cowboys continue to get great safety play out of Jayron Kearse and on Sunday, Malik Hooker had one of his best games of the season, recording his first pick in two seasons. Damontae Kazee even tied for the team lead with seven tackles.
But the Cowboys should get even more depth at safety with the expected return of Donovan Wilson. Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones told 105.3 "The Fan" that the Cowboys "should get Dono Wilson back this week."
Wilson has missed a total of eight games this year, including the last four with a hip injury that landed him on injured reserve. In the five games he's played, Wilson has 18 tackles.
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Dec. 19 Updates
4:45 p.m. – For years, the Cowboys had to try to survive playing multiple games per year against Hall of Fame pass rusher Lawrence Taylor. Perhaps it's only fitting that now the Giants have to contend with Micah Parsons, who for much of this season has drawn comparisons to Taylor.
Parsons already has more sacks than Taylor did his rookie season and is just three sacks short of setting the NFL record for most sacks by a rookie.
Against the Giants on Sunday, Parsons showed his versatility by dropping into coverage more than he normally does, even successfully covering wide receiver Kenny Golladay on a third down attempt in the red zone.
Playing coverage meant less opportunities for sacks, however, and his six-game streak of recording sacks came to an end.
"That's the beautiful thing about life," Parsons said after the game. "I have next week to start a new streak. That's another six weeks I'm looking forward to."
As far as comparisons to Lawrence, the former Giant who some believe is in the conversation for the greatest NFL player of all time, Parsons wasn't interested in engaging.
"He was a great player," Parsons said. "I have to do my own thing. I have to build my own destiny."
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4:43 p.m. – Malik Hooker waited two years for this.
For the first time since 2019, the veteran safety got an interception. It was one of four picks by the Cowboys' defense that tied the Colts -- Hooker's former team -- for the NFL lead in takeaways.
Hooker signed with the Cowboys in training camp and has worked his way into the safety rotation after missing almost the entire 2020 season with an Achilles' injury.
"It's been a long time, so for me to finally go out there and get one today, you saw everybody was geeked up," Hooker said. "I've been saying for the last couple of weeks, man it's been two years since I've had a pick.
"Just happy I'm finally able to get back healthy. … Just as far as confidence, how I'm playing, physicality, I feel like I'm pretty much elevating every week off all cylinders. For me, it's about keep getting better each week. As you see, it's kind of paying off."
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11:30 a.m. – Tony Pollard will be available for this early kickoff against the New York Giants.
Heading into his second-straight game with a lingering foot injury, Pollard was once again considered a game time decision after missing last week's win against Washington. This time around he'll be active, as the Cowboys saw enough from his pregame workout to feel comfortable playing him.
Instead, the Cowboys' inactives for Week 15 will be Will Grier, Nahshon Wright, Israel Mukuamu, Azur Kamara and Tyron Smith.
Smith was ruled out on Monday after suffering an ankle injury last week. The rest are healthy scratches.
The ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases around the league did affect the Cowboys late this week. Defensive tackles Osa Odighizuwa and Trysten Hill were both ruled out after testing positive on Saturday. The Cowboys elevated Justin Hamilton from the practice squad to account for the loss. The trio of Neville Gallimore, Hamilton and Quinton Bohanna figures to get plenty of work due to those absences.
The Giants have also been battling COVID issues this week, which will bring a familiar face back into the fray. New York signed former Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith to its practice squad earlier this week and elevated him Sunday. Smith will be in uniform for today's game against his old team.
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Dec. 18 Updates
2:28 p.m. – With Tony Pollard (foot) listed as questionable to play against the Giants, the Cowboys have promoted rookie running back JaQuan Hardy from the practice squad as a standard elevation for the second straight week.
Hardy was active against Washington last Sunday because Pollard was inactive. He had one carry for three yards on offense and one kickoff return for 15 yards.
The rookie will provide potential depth at running back and on kickoff returns this week. Pollard said Friday that his foot injury is improving but he anticipates being a game-time decision Sunday.
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Dec. 17 Updates
3:11 p.m. - The Cowboys are expecting defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to play Sunday against the Giants despite being limited in practice the last two days with a foot injury.
Lawrence did not even have a "questionable" status for the game, meaning he will suit up for the third straight game since the broken foot injury he suffered in Week 2.
Tank picked up a sack last week against Washington as the Cowboys defense shined in D.C., registering five sacks and forcing four turnovers.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Giants.
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11:28 a.m. – Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.
Wilson has missed the last two games. He was inactive with an ankle injury Dec. 2 against New Orleans and was on Reserve/COVID-19 last Sunday when the Cowboys faced Washington.
Wilson has 30 catches for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns this season as a key rotation receiver and special teams player.
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Dec. 16 Updates
4:10 p.m. – Running back Tony Pollard took a step toward returning to the lineup this week, practicing on a limited basis Thursday.
Pollard didn't play against Washington last Sunday due to a plantar fascia injury in his foot.
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) also had limited participation. After missing 10 games with a foot injury, Lawrence has been productive in the last two games since returning to game action.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Giants.
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10:39 a.m. – Connor Williams lost his starting job at left guard to Connor McGovern nearly a month ago, the week of the Chiefs game, after a tough stretch of penalties.
In the four games since, head coach Mike McCarthy has liked the way Williams has stayed focused, working as a lead blocker in the run game and an extra lineman in certain packages.
"Love the way Connor has handled everything," McCarthy said. "I thought he graded out very high in his participation last week (13 snaps on offense). He's dialed in. He hasn't blinked. So I appreciate that."
Not surprisingly, McCarthy would not speculate if Williams might move back into the starting lineup this week, however.
"I think Connor McGovern has done some good things," McCarthy said. "It is Thursday. We'll stay pat here."
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Dec. 15 Updates
3:15 p.m. – Another reinforcement is gearing up to return to the Dallas defense.
Donovan Wilson hasn't been available since injuring his chest and shoulder Nov. 21 against Kansas City. Combine that with the groin injury he suffered in the season opener, and the third-year safety has only played in six of 13 games this season.
It looks like he'll be ready for the home stretch, however, as the Cowboys activated Wilson's practice window on Wednesday.
That means Wilson could be ready for action as early as this weekend against the Giants, though it remains to be seen if that will be the case. In addition, the Cowboys signed defensive tackle Justin Hamilton back to their practice squad. They made space by waiving cornerback Deante Burton.
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3:15 p.m. -- Four Cowboys are on Wednesday's injury report:
Running back Ezekiel Elliott (knee) and tight end Sean McKeon (neck) had full participation in Wednesday's light practice. Running back Tony Pollard (foot) and left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) did not practice. Pollard worked off to the side with the athletic training staff during the open portion.
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Dec. 14 Updates
10:10 a.m. – Left tackle Tyron Smith is not expected to play Sunday against the Giants after he re-aggravated a previous left ankle sprain against Washington. But Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said the injury shouldn't keep Smith out too long.
"The good news about this is we'll miss him Sunday but we'll for sure him as we get into the last part of the season and into the playoffs relative to these injuries that he's dealing with," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan.
The Cowboys (9-4) have four games left in the regular season and are inching closer to winning the NFC East title.
Jones said Terence Steele is the likely fill-in starter at left tackle this week, but the team will "see how the week goes."
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Dec. 13 Updates
3:29 p.m. - Cedrick Wilson is the latest player added to the Reserved/Covid-19 list.
Wilson returned from an ankle injury last week and played his first game since Thanksgiving.
But now there's a chance he can miss this Sunday's game in New York, depending on his symptoms and/or test results this week.
Noah Brown (groin) is expected to miss another game as well so the offense could be down two backup receivers behind starters Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
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1:10 p.m. - While all eyes will be at the left tackle spot this week as the Cowboys are hopeful Tyron Smith (ankle) can play against the Giants, there could be some changes at the left guard spot as well.
Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones told 105.3 "The Fan" that the coaching staff will at least address the left guard spot with Connor McGovern and Connor Williams, who started at guard early in the season before McGovern took over four games ago.
"I'm sure they'll discuss that. They wanted to give Connor McGovern every opportunity and not have it be something where he's in there one game and out the next, that type of thing, and know they'll be evaluating that this week," Jones said. "As we head down the home stretch, we got to get the right group of guys out there. We're so fortunate that we have eight, nine guys that can come play for us. At the same time, I know they want to get some cohesiveness and a group going. I know that's one of the things they'll be talking about as well as this week."
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Dec. 12 Updates
5:11 p.m. – The Cowboys had to finish the game without both starting tackles, including Tyron Smith, who left in the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury.
That's the same ankle that caused him to miss two games and parts of others in the last month.
A Cowboys team spokesman said after the game that Smith would be re-evaluated on Monday back in Dallas.
With Smith out and La'el Collins ejected, the Cowboys used Terence Steele at right tackle and Ty Nsekhe on the left side.
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4:30 p.m. – Not to be overshadowed by the return of Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore, Armstrong had one of his best games of his career.
The fumble recovery and touchdown was his first score since high school, but Armstrong also had six tackles, which tied for a team-high.
Armstrong became the 16th player to score a touchdown this year for the Cowboys, tying a franchise record with five other seasons.
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4 :00 p.m. – Despite being replaced in the starting lineup last month at left guard, Williams has continued to have a bigger role in the running game.
Williams actually started the game at fullback with the Cowboys opening the game in a jumbo-set, one they played throughout the game.
Williams lined up at guard, tight end and even guard on a snap in which Zack Martin was out for a moment.
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11:30 a.m. – The Cowboys will be without Tony Pollard for this key divisional matchup against Washington.
The team listed Pollard among its seven inactives ahead of kickoff, confirming that the third-year running back is still working through the foot injury he suffered last week against New Orleans.
In addition, the Cowboys also announced Will Grier, Israel Mukuamu, Azur Kamara, Matt Farniok, Simi Fehoko and Sean McKeon as inactive.
Pollard's absence will put some strain on the running back position, given that Ezekiel Elliott is still dealing with the knee injury that has limited him for much of the season. The Cowboys signed fourth-year veteran Ito Smith to their practice squad, but they ultimately decided to elevate rookie JaQuan Hardy on Saturday afternoon.
Hardy will serve as the Cowboys' third running back for this game, with Corey Clement backing up Elliott. Practice squad tight end Ian Bunting has also been elevated to help replace McKeon.
Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore, who were both activated from injured reserve on Saturday, are both active.
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Dec. 11 Updates
3:18 p.m. - For the first time since the first week in November, Gregory will be back on the field for the Cowboys, looking to resume what is looking like his most productive season of his career.
Gregory was officially activated to the roster on Saturday and will play Sunday in Washington.
He's missed the last four games with a calf strain he suffered the week before the Cowboys traveled to Kansas City.
Gregory is second on the team in sacks with 5.0 and third in QB pressures with 20.
This will be the first time since Week 1 the Cowboys will have Gregory, DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons on the field together.
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3:11 p.m. - When Gallimore suffered a dislocated elbow injury in the preseason game at Arizona, the initial prognosis had the second-year DT back on the field much earlier than Game No. 13.
But the Cowboys have not rushed his return, especially considering the nature of his position and the need for his arm strength to get off blocks and fight in the trenches.
And as the team heads to Washington for a showdown with Washington, Gallimore will make his 2021 debut as the Cowboys activated him from IR on Saturday.
To create a roster spot, the Cowboys waived veteran defensive tackle Justin Hamilton, who has played in eight games this year and has 11 tackles.
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2:58 p.m. - The Cowboys are hopeful in Tony Pollard's chances of playing Sunday despite not practicing this week with a sprained foot, but they used one of their standard practice squad elevations this week on running back JaQuan Hardy, one of the featured players on HBO's Hard Knocks back in training camp.
The Cowboys also brought up tight end Ian Bunting, for needed depth. This week, Sean McKeon (neck) was limited in practice but should be able to play.
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2:54 p.m. - The veteran safety is expected to play his first game since Week 1 against the Bucs. Thompson has been either on IR or the practice squad, but the Cowboys made him a Covid-19 replacement for rookie Nahshon Wright.
Thompson will give some depth at safety, which has been limited with Donovan Wilson being on IR.
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Dec. 10 Updates
3:19 p.m. – Linebacker Micah Parsons had limited participation in Thursday's practice because of a hip injury, but his playing status for Sunday's game at Washington is not in question, according to the official injury report.
"Something that flared up in practice yesterday," head coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. "I don't think it's of a serious nature. … My understanding is it kind of started in the weight room on Monday and it was bothering him a little bit. So we're just being cautious."
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones added that Parsons is just dealing with some soreness.
"It's one that doesn't have that kind of concern, his availability (Sunday)," Jones told 105.3 The Fan.
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3:19 p.m. – Running back Tony Pollard has not practiced this week because of a foot injury but will take part in Friday's mock-game walkthrough, head coach Mike McCarthy said. Pollard is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Washington.
Pollard said he felt a little tear in his plantar fascia during his 58-yard touchdown run against the Saints.
"Tony's working through it. We'll see how it goes," McCarthy said. "We'll take it all the way up to the game."
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Washington.
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10:48 a.m. -- Head coach Mike McCarthy anticipates defensive end Randy Gregory and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore returning from injured reserve this week and playing against Washington.
"Neville's really champing at the bit. I really liked his workload yesterday in the padded practice," McCarthy said. "Randy was dealing with a cold earlier in the week so we've been smart with him as far as the reps. They both look good. I anticipate they'll be ready to go come Sunday."
Gallimore missed the first 12 games with an elbow injury. Gregory has missed the last three games with a calf injury. They recently started their 21-day practice windows on IR.
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Dec. 9 Updates
2:52 p.m. - One of the reasons the Cowboys were able to at least function without all three of the top receivers out of action for parts of the season, was the play of the two primary backups.
However, there's a chance both could miss the game this Sunday. Noah Brown is already on IR now with a groin injury and Cedrick Wilson is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game. An ankle injury he sustained on Thanksgiving against the Raiders, has him limited in practice on Wednesday and now Thursday.
Wilson ranks fifth on the team with 30 receptions but his 14.0 yard average per catch is just behind team-leader CeeDee Lamb (14.5).
If Wilson can't go, it puts even more pressure on the big-three at receiver: Amari Cooper, Lamb and Michael Gallup. Look for both Malik Turner and Simi Fehoko to get more reps in the offense as well.
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2:31 p.m. - One player the Cowboys certainly didn't want to see on the injury report this week made an appearance Thursday.
Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons was limited in practice with a hip injury.
The Cowboys' defense has been inspired by Parsons, who leads the team with 10 sacks, including one in each of the last five games.
All week, the coaches, players and even owner Jerry Jones have discussed the excitement of seeing Parsons on the field again with Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence. While that still could happen Sunday, all eyes will be on Parsons during practice the next two days to see how available he'll be for this week's game in Washington.
Click here for the full Cowboys' injury report.
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10:25 p.m. - Despite missing practice on Wednesday with a sprained foot, running back Tony Pollard is "on track" to play Sunday in Washington, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
Pollard has made two explosive plays in the last two games, including a 58-yard touchdown against the Saints and a 100-yard kickoff against the Raiders on Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys have been limiting Ezekiel Elliott over the last few weeks as he deals with a knee injury, but Zeke was full participation on Wednesday. The Cowboys will likely get some practice reps to Corey Clement and Ito Smith, who was signed to the practice squad this week.
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10:14 a.m. – As expected, head coach Mike McCarthy has made his way back to the Cowboys' headquarters and has resumed all duties with the team.
McCarthy joked that he was going to enter the building at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday morning but he was clearing "chomping at the bit" to get back to work after missing 10 days.
McCarthy was out due to Covid-19, which forced him to miss last Thursday's game with the Saints, which was coached by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
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8:28 a.m. - One of the biggest surprises on the team this year has been the play of safety Jayron Kearse, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason and now leads the team in tackles with 76.
Kearse is the nephew of Jevon Kearse, a former pass-rusher for the Tennessee Titans who owns the NFL single-season rookie record for sacks with 14.5, set in 1999. When asked this week about the possibility of teammate Micah Parsons (10.0 sacks) possibly breaking the record, Kearse toed the line with his answer.
"I'm open to the record getting broken," he said. "Being that Micah is my teammate, Micah is a tremendous player – or a tie. Tie the record."
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Dec. 8 Updates
While so much has been made of the health of running back Ezekiel Elliott, it was Tony Pollard who missed Wednesday's practice.
Pollard is dealing with a foot injury and spent the practice off to the side with the athletic trainers. The Cowboys are still hopeful he can be ready for Sunday's game in Washington.
Pollard has two of the longest plays of the season in the last two games, with a 58-yard touchdown run against the Saints and a 100-yard kickoff return against the Raiders on Thanksgiving.
Click here is a full injury report for the Cowboys on Wednesday.
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While the Cowboys are counting on both Zeke and Tony Pollard to play against Washington, the Cowboys have to make sure there are enough healthy backs at practice.
To add some depth, the Cowboys signed veteran Ito Smith to the practice squad.
Smith played 35 games in three seasons with the Falcons with 689 career rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The Cowboys have Corey Clement on the active roster, but Smith should be able to provide some depth with the reps, especially if Ezekiel Elliott doesn't practice in full for the entire week.
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10:30 p.m. – As expected, Randy Gregory is on the roster once again, after missing four games with a strained calf.
The pass-rusher will join DeMarcus Lawrence, who returned from a 10-game absence with a broken foot, to give the Cowboys both starting defensive ends for the first time since Week 1.
Gregory ranks second on the team with five sacks and third in quarterback pressures with 20.
The Cowboys also added running back Ito Smith to the practice squad.
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Dec. 7 Updates
12:04 p.m. – Rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph has mostly played special teams since returning from a groin injury that sidelined him for the first six games of the season, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is impressed with the second-round draft pick's progress and readiness to help on defense if needed.
"Our confidence is very high," said Quinn, who filled in for head coach Mike McCarthy (COVID-19 protocols) in last Thursday's win over the Saints. "I think in the game I really tried to point out he (Joseph) and C.J. Goodwin especially. I thought they were, on the special teams side, real factors in this game as far as field position goes.
"So when his moment's called, he'll definitely be ready. Yeah, he had some setbacks to start off, just being injured and being away. But the fact is, you put moments like that together in the game, you build a lot of trust with your teammates, you build a lot of trust in the locker room just, 'Hey, this guy, he's really down to compete and help us win games.' As a teammate, that's what you're looking for from a young guy, how can this guy help us win. Right now the way he was helping us win was covering ... and it was certainly one that we were proud of in terms of that kind of effort."
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Dec. 6 Updates
11:22 a.m. – Cowboys senior defensive assistant George Edwards is a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at his alma mater, Duke University, NFL Network reported Monday.
"(Cowboys owner/GM) Jerry (Jones) and I are very aware of that. He certainly deserves the consideration and being a Duke graduate there, it makes a lot of sense for him to be a candidate there," Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said Monday on 105.3 The Fan. "As we've said around here, we always root for our guys to have great opportunities."
Edwards is in his second season on the Cowboys staff, primarily working with the linebackers. Rookie Micah Parsons has credited Edwards, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and defensive line coach Aden Durde for his outstanding start to the season, putting him in conversation for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Edwards spent one year as an assistant coach at Duke in 1996 before joining the NFL ranks in 1998 as Cowboys linebackers coach. He has been a defensive coordinator for the Vikings, Bills and Washington.
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Dec. 2 Updates
11:30 p.m. — On the offense's second series, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott just missed each other on a fourth-and-2 throw that probably would've been a touchdown for Lamb.
Besides a couple early incompletions, Lamb and Prescott made some key plays to get the offense moving in Thursday's 27-17 road win. Lamb led all receivers with seven catches for 89 yards and added a 33-yard run that set up the Cowboys' first touchdown of the game.
Thursday marked Lamb's seventh career game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage, the second-most games by a Cowboys receiver in his first two seasons since Bob Hayes (eight).
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11:30 p.m. — The Cowboys had a feeling that Thursday's game against the Saints would be a grind-it-out contest between two teams that badly needed a win.
That proved to be the case, and field position was a major factor. Punter Bryan Anger was outstanding, averaging 48.1 yards on seven punts and placing two inside the Saints' 20-yard line.
"I thought both punters were really ripping the ball," said defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who filled in for head coach Mike McCarthy (COVID-19 protocols) Thursday.
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5:55 p.m. – Only three inactives were required to get the Cowboys' to their game day roster limit on Thursday night.
The team ruled out Will Grier and Azur Kamara ahead of their primetime kickoff against the New Orleans Saints. In addition, Cedrick Wilson had already been ruled out with the ankle injury that limited him all week.
Naturally, with just those three inactives, the Cowboys are officially planning to use Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence in this game. Cooper had missed the past two weeks with COVID-19, while Lawrence has been recovering from a broken foot since Week 2.
It remains to be seen what their snap count will be, but both Pro Bowlers will play a role against the Saints.
Key contributors Alvin Kamara, Terron Armstead, Ryan Ramczyk and Marcus Davenport are all inactive for New Orleans.
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2:55 p.m. – DeMarcus Lawrence is back.
As expected, the Cowboys officially activated the veteran pass rusher from the injured reserve/designated to return list heading into tonight's matchup against the Saints.
Lawrence played the season opener at Tampa Bay but has been out since having successful surgery in mid-September to repair a foot fracture suffered in practice. He has been ramping up his rehab work with the athletic training staff in recent weeks and returned to practice last week.
The Cowboys also elevated safety Tyler Coyle from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement. (Cornerback Nahshon Wright and offensive tackle Terence Steele are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week.)
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3:00 p.m. - After a career-best game last Thursday against the Raiders, Wilson will not play this week against the Saints after suffering an ankle injury in the game.
Wilson, who had seven catches for 104 yards, left the stadium last Thursday in a walking boot and did not practice all week.
The Cowboys are expected to have both CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper returning to action this game, along with Michael Gallup, so Wilson's snaps were probably going to be reduced anyway.
Look for Noah Brown to handle a the fourth receiver role.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Saints.
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2:12 p.m. - With Mike McCarthy missing this game, it will create several changes throughout the staff as the Cowboys are going to be without six coaches.
The most noticeable change will be Dan Quinn moving down to the sideline to replace McCarthy's game-day duties.
Also, offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant Jeff Blasko are both out for the game, forcing tight ends coach Lunda Wells to slide down and coach the offensive line.
Assistant offensive coach Scott Tolzien is also expected to miss the game. The Cowboys will use Ben McAdoo, an advisor to the coaching staff, to help out on game day with the offense in different capacities.
The strength coaching staff has been hit hard as well as both Harold Nash and Kendall Smith will miss the game. Cedric Smith will handle all strength and conditioning responsibilities.
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12:37 p.m. – After missing the last two games on the Reserved/Covid list, Cooper is expected back on the field Thursday against the Saints.
The Cowboys have activated him to the roster after he was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Cooper is expected to fly with the team to New Orleans on Wednesday.
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9:23 p.m. - While it doesn't help them for this game, the Cowboys did get some good news in learning Trysten Hill's suspension has been reduced from two games to one.
He will only miss Thursday's game in New Orleans now after the NFL heard Hill's appeal and decided to cut the suspension. Hill was suspended for punching Raiders lineman John Simpson on the field after the game last Thursday.
Hill will be able to return for the Cowboys' Dec. 12 game in Washington.
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3:43 p.m. — Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has not yet practiced this week due to an ankle injury suffered on Thanksgiving against the Raiders.
Wide receiver depth is a question mark at the moment with Wilson on the injury report and Amari Cooper yet to practice after spending the last two weeks on Reserve/COVID. The Cowboys do have one more light practice scheduled for Wednesday before their road trip to face the Saints, though.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Saints.
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3:26 p.m. – In a week that's been full of them, the Cowboys suffered another loss Tuesday afternoon.
Brent Urban has been out since injuring his triceps in the overtime win against New England on Oct. 17, and it now appears he's done for the year. His wife announced on Twitter that he had undergone season-ending surgery to repair the injury.
That's a blow to the Cowboys' run defense, given that Urban's 6'7, 295-pound frame was eating up space on 42% of the team's defensive snaps this year.
Urban signed in the spring on a one-year deal, so it's uncertain what the future holds for him and whether he'll be back with the Cowboys in 2022. For now, it's another loss for a defense that was also dealt a two-game suspension to Trysten Hill this week.
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10:37 a.m. – Rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list because of a positive test, head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Wright is the second Cowboys player to go on Reserve/COVID this week, joining offensive tackle Terence Steele. No other members of the team have tested positive Tuesday, but McCarthy will not coach Thursday night because of COVID protocols.
Several assistant coaches entered COVID protocol between Thursday and Sunday: offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant O-Line coach Jeff Blasko; strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash and assistants Kendall Smith and Cedric Smith; and offensive assistant Scott Tolzien.
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Nov. 29 Updates
4:06 p.m. - Despite missing two games with Covid-19 protocols, Amari Cooper was not on the practice field Monday as the team prepped for the Saints.
Cooper was in the building at the Cowboys headquarter at The Star, but has not been removed from the Reserved/Covid list, which is why his status was not included on the team's official injury report.
Cooper has missed both the Chiefs and Raiders games after being placed on the reserved list. The Cowboys will have one more practice before departing for New Orleans on Wednesday and there still is a chance Cooper could return to the active roster and play Thursday.
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3:38 p.m. - After losing three of four games, the sense of urgency has increased at The Star, according to quarterback Dak Prescott, who went a step further in explaining the state of the team heading into Thursday's game with the Saints.
"It's very urgent," Prescott said Monday in a virtual conference call. "This is a team that's hungry and pissed off simply about the way we've executed and played."
The Cowboys (7-4) started the season 6-2 but have now lost three of four games - all to the AFC West - as they get ready for three straight road games, beginning in New Orleans, followed by Washington and the NY Giants.
If Washington (4-6) wins Monday night against Seattle, the Cowboys would have a two-game lead in the NFC East. If not, Washington falls three games back from Dallas, which would hold a 2.5 game lead on the Eagles (5-7).
2:11 p.m. - Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has missed the last six quarters of football for the Cowboys, said he will play Thursday against the Saints. Lamb told reporters in a virtual conference call that he's feeling a lot better after suffering a concussion in Kansas City on Nov. 21. Lamb was able to practice on Monday.
"A head injury is nothing to play with," said Lamb, who was close to playing last Thursday against the Raiders but was scratched as inactive at the last second. "Obviously, I wanted to be in there. I wasn't feeling like myself, kind of something still lingering around. I couldn't describe what it was and I knew at that moment that I wasn't mentally nor physically prepared."
Lamb is leading the Cowboys in catches (50), receiving yards (740) and TD receptions (six).
Lamb and running back Ezekiel Elliott (knee) had full practice participation Monday.
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Nov. 28 Updates
10:49 a.m. – Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash, assistant offensive line coach Joe Blasko and coaching assistant Scott Tolzien have entered the league's COVID-19 protocol, the team announced Sunday. Offensive tackle Terence Steele has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, too.
Offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant strength and conditioning coaches Kendall Smith and Cedric Smith also entered COVID protocol earlier in the week and did not coach against the Raiders on Thanksgiving.
Working through this COVID situation, the Cowboys are scheduled to resume practice Sunday but otherwise will work virtually for at least the next two days heading into Thursday's road game against the Saints, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
With Philbin and Blasko unavailable to coach against the Saints, McCarthy said the team is discussing options for who will coach the offensive line this week. Tight ends coach Lunda Wells, quality control coach/offense Chase Haslett and consultant Ben McAdoo all could help fill in, McCarthy said.
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