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. 2 Updates
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.
---------------------------------------
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.)
---------------------------------------
Dec. 1 Updates
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 26 Updates
1:56 p.m. – CeeDee Lamb did not pass the NFL's final concussion protocol step in time to play against the Raiders, according to Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, but the second-year receiver appears on track to return to the lineup next Thursday against the Saints.
"He definitely did everything he was asked to do in practice on Wednesday and actually he did some post-practice work," McCarthy said. "He definitely cleared that hurdle. There's a final step in the protocol and CeeDee did not clear that. My understanding is, with the information that was given Wednesday, is that he'll practice Sunday with the anticipation of playing against New Orleans."
---------------------------------------
1:56 p.m. – Running back Ezekiel Elliott continued to play through a painful knee contusion Thursday against the Raiders, an injury that's been bothering him at different times this season.
Head coach Mike McCarthy was asked if he's concerned about Elliott's health regarding the knee issue as the season calendar turns to December.
"I am concerned because he's a warrior. He was fighting to get back in there every time, all day yesterday," McCarthy said. "…It's that time of year. Zeke's running style is ferocious. He gives a pounding and he takes some hits. We need to evaluate that and this week we'll see what the preparation looks like for him."
With six games left in the regular season, the Cowboys will continue to manage Elliott's injury. He played 47 of 74 offensive snaps Thursday, carrying the ball only nine times for 25 yards and a touchdown in a rotation with Tony Pollard (10 carries, 36 yards).
After the game Elliott said he felt "alright" but acknowledged that his injury probably factored into the offense's game plan.
---------------------------------------
1:56 p.m. – With four pass interference penalties, including a 33-yard flag in overtime that led to the Raiders' game-winning field goal, Thursday was a frustrating day for cornerback Anthony Brown, to say the least.
But Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn emphasized the team's faith in Brown moving forward.
"First thing that I had talked to him about was how much belief we have in him," Quinn said. "Any time you have a tough game from a penalty standpoint or just a performance standpoint, like most really good competitors, they're hardest on themselves, and that was certainly AB. He came in today and already wanted to go back and talk through it. Is it looking back to the ball, is it not locking a guy's arm? It was the smallest of details that he wanted to look at. But at the end of the day, it's looking back to make sure you learn from it.
"He's an excellent competitor and I wasn't surprised to see him one of the first guys in today to watch it and discuss it with (defensive backs coach) Al (Harris) when they were going through it. He's never a player that places blame anywhere else or anything. He's an excellent competitor and one of our most consistent guys, so I would expect that trend not to continue."
---------------------------------------
1:56 p.m. – Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve/designated to return) started his 21-day practice window Wednesday and could return to the lineup as early as next Thursday against the Saints.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Lawrence, who has missed the past 10 games with a foot injury, has "hit all the markers" to this point in working his way back to game action.
"Well, certainly with Law, the speed off the edge, the pass rushing ability," Quinn said. "It's like with all the guys, try to feature him in those ways. But we're encouraged about his start to it, and as we go through the week this week we'll hope to see more of him and see what he can do. He's hit all the markers that you want to hit in terms of healing and training and getting ready. That'll be up to (head coach) Mike (McCarthy) and the medical staff, but he's certainly hitting the markers from the training aspect."
---------------------------------------
Nov. 25 Updates
9:21 p.m. – The Cowboys were already without both Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, forcing the backup receivers to step up.
While Cedrick Wilson was able to get a team-high seven catches for 104 yards, his status for the next game in New Orleans could be up in the air.
Wilson left the game with an ankle injury, but did return in the fourth quarter on the final drive of regulation.
Wilson left the locker room in a walking boot but said he doesn't expect to miss much time, if any.
"Nah, it just a swollen ankle," Wilson said. "It should be pushed out and I should be good to go."
---------------------------------------
3:50 p.m. - After missing the first seven games of the season with a high-ankle sprain, McKeon has slowly worked himself back into the tight end rotation, especially with Blake Jarwin out.
On Thursday against the Raiders, McKeon got the start as the Cowboys opened in a two-tight end set. And then, on the second drive, he scored his first career touchdown, hauling in a 10-yard pass from Dak Prescott.
McKeon is the 13th player to score a touchdown for the Cowboys this year.
---------------------------------------
2:05 p.m. – As indicated earlier, CeeDee Lamb has been ruled out of this Thanksgiving game against Las Vegas.
The Cowboys released their inactive for their Week 12 game against the Raiders on Thursday afternoon, with Lamb featured as the most prominent name. The second-year receiver suffered a concussion Sunday afternoon in Kansas City and just missed being available to play.
Along with Lamb, the Cowboys also ruled out Will Grier and Matt Farniok. The team only needed three inactives because the roster was already sitting at 51 members heading into the game.
In addition, offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant strength and conditioning coach Kendall Smith will miss this game, as they are in COVID protocol. Philbin's role will be filled by assistant offensive line coach Jeff Blasko.
---------------------------------------
11:10 a.m. - Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb is not expected to play Thursday against the Raiders, according to multiple reports.
The second-year star suffered a concussion before halftime last Sunday in Kansas City and did not return to the game. But despite the short week, Lamb was improving to the point that he attended meetings and was on the field in limited action both Tuesday and Wednesday.
But the Cowboys have reportedly decided he's not ready to play the Thanksgiving Day game against Las Vegas. That means the offense will lean on receivers Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown and Malik Turner this week as Amari Cooper is also out for a second game on the Reserved/Covid-19 list.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 24 Updates
3:05 p.m. – Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is officially listed as questionable to play against the Raiders, but he was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, an encouraging sign for his availability Thursday as he moves through the final step of the league's concussion protocol.
Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) was a full participant in practice again Wednesday, and his game status for Thursday is not in question, according to the official injury report.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Raiders.
---------------------------------------
11:40 p.m. – Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb "hasn't missed a step" in concussion protocol this week, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said, and still could play Thursday against the Raiders.
The NFL concussion protocol features a series of steps that a player must pass to gain clearance to play, including evaluation from an independent medical staff.
"CeeDee will practice today and if he completes the last component of the protocol today then there's the process of seeing the doctor," McCarthy said.
Lamb was injured on a pass play at the end of the first half against the Chiefs.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 23 Updates
3:17 p.m. – Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (knee) had full participation in Tuesday's light practice, described as a "run-through" by Mike McCarth -- an encouraging sign heading into Thursday's Thanksgiving game against the Raiders.
Elliott has played through a knee contusion in recent games and Smith has missed the last three games with an ankle injury.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) did not practice Tuesday but is "making progress" in concussion protocol, McCarthy said.
---------------------------------------
11:15 a.m. – Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is "making progress" in concussion protocol, attending meetings and might be cleared to do some light field work Tuesday, head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Lamb must pass a series of steps in the league's concussion protocol in order to play Thursday against the Raiders. He was injured on a pass play just before halftime against the Chiefs.
Left tackle Tyron Smith, who has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, will participate in Tuesday's light, "run-through" style practice, McCarthy said.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 22 Updates
4:21 p.m. - Head coach Mike McCarthy typically doesn't reveal starting lineups or assignments early in the week, but on Monday he was quick to respond when asked about his left guard position.
Connor McGovern is expected to remain as the starter this week against the Raiders. He started his first game of the year on the left side, replacing Connor Williams in the lineup.
McCarthy said McGovern "played OK" against the Chiefs and acknowledged some of the blocking issues he had on Sunday, as did the rest of the offensive line.
Perhaps the Cowboys are sticking with the lineup on a short week, but for now, there doesn't seem to be a change for McGovern. The only real change could be to his left as Tyron Smith is expected to play at left tackle after missing the last three games.
---------------------------------------
1:44 p.m. – Despite sustaining a concussion before halftime on Sunday that ended his day early, CeeDee Lamb is not being ruled out for Thursday's game with the Raiders on Thanksgiving.
Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said Lamb is doing "really well" and has a chance to get back on the field.
"He'll start his protocol right away," Jones said Monday on 105.3 "The Fan" in Dallas. "He's doing really well. So, he'll have an opportunity to play. If he were having issues today, then you'd probably be a little leery, but the fact that so far he's doing well. But he'll have to go through testing. So, we won't really know that until Thursday."
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy allowed on Monday evening that Lamb was feeling well enough to be part of the team's meetings in preparation for Thursday's game against Las Vegas.
"We're hopeful he'll make it through the protocol," McCarthy said.
It goes without saying that this will be one of the major storylines of this short week. The Cowboys will already be without Amari Cooper, who is on Reserved/COVID-19 for another game.
Elsewhere on the roster, safety Donovan Wilson will not be available to play Thursday against the Raiders due a shoulder/chest injury sustained in Sunday's game, according to McCarthy.
The Cowboys did not practice Monday but provided an injury report with estimated practice participation levels.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 21 Updates
7:33 p.m. – Safety Jayron Kearse's versatility, including his experience covering tight ends, has been a major factor in the defense's improvement this season.
Kearse drew Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce on Sunday, and he intercepted quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a throw intended for Kelce over the middle at the start of the third quarter.
It was a significant momentum play: The Cowboys' offense capitalized with a field goal to cut the Chiefs' lead to 16-6.
Kelce (five catches for 74 yards) and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill (9 for 77) were the primary matchups for Kearse and the defense in the passing game.
"A lot of respect for those guys, both of them," Kearse said. "We have players that can go out and play with anybody in this league. Nothing but respect for them. It wasn't anything we couldn't handle. We went out there and handled our business and tried to do our best to limit those guys."
---------------------------------------
7:12 p.m. - After missing one week after being on Reserve/COVID-19, Greg Zuerlein returned to action Sunday against the Chiefs.
And it proved to be a good thing, considering he was the only one to score any points. Zuerlein made all three of his field goal attempts from 33, 30 and 48 yards, accounting for all nine points.
Zuerlein also became the third-fastest kicker in NFL history to reach 250 career field goals, doing so in his 144th game. Zuerlein trails only Justin Tucker (118 games) and Stephen Gostkowski (139 games).
---------------------------------------
1:58 p.m. – Tyron Smith has officially been ruled out of this game against the Chiefs.
Word surfaced early this morning that the Cowboys' perennial Pro Bowler wasn't quite ready to return to action, and that is indeed the case. Smith will now miss his third-straight game with the ankle injury that's bothered him since Oct. 31 against Minnesota.
Look for Terence Steele to once against start at left tackle this week, while La'el Collins mans the right tackle job. As confirmed on Friday, Connor McGovern is also expected to start at left guard in place of Connor Williams this week.
The Cowboys' other inactives are Will Grier, Kelvin Joseph, Nahshon Wright, Israel Mukuamu and Simi Fehoko. Joseph is absent due to a personal issue, while Wright injured his hamstring in practice this week.
With two of their reserve cornerbacks unavailable, the Cowboys called up Deante Burton and Kyron Brown from the practice squad for this game.
Tyrann Mathieu will be active for Kansas City after popping up on the injury report Sunday morning.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 19 Updates
2:22 p.m — Cornerback Kelvin Joseph (Not Injury Related-Personal) will not be traveling with the team to Kansas City and has been ruled out for Sunday's game, the Cowboys announced Saturday.
The Cowboys elevated CB Deante Burton from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement and CB Kyron Brown from the practice squad as a standard elevation\The club placed wide receiver Amari Cooper on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 19 Updates
3:02 p.m. – The Cowboys are expected to start Connor McGovern at left guard Sunday against the Chiefs, replacing Connor Williams in the lineup, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones confirmed on 105.3 The Fan.
"He's certainly impressed his teammates and coaches, and this is a great opportunity for him," Jones said about McGovern.
The third-year veteran has made nine fill-in starts for Zack Martin at right guard since last season, including the Sept. 9 opener at Tampa Bay, but has never started at left guard. He primarily has been a utility player on offense this year, lining up at fullback and occasionally at receiver.
"I don't know when I can remember anybody as an offensive lineman getting the attention he's gotten as a lead blocker coming out of a special formation in the backfield," Jones said. "He's doing it not just with bulk, but he's doing it with feet and he's doing it with athletic ability. All of that is intriguing when you think about him when he gets down in a regular offensive line position. I think he'll do well. He's earned it."
Williams has been the starter at left guard when healthy since 2018, including all nine games so far this season. He has played well overall as a blocker but leads the league with 13 penalties (10 accepted).
---------------------------------------
3:00 p.m. -- Three players on the active roster are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs:
Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle)
Cornerback Nahshon Wright (hamstring)
Cornerback Kelvin Joseph (personal)
The Cowboys are hopeful Smith can return to the starting lineup Sunday, but his status will depend partially on how he practices Saturday.
Joseph was excused from practice Thursday because of a personal matter and might not be available to play this week.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 18 Updates
4:33 p.m. – Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) had limited participation in practice again Thursday as the Cowboys are hopeful he can return to the lineup Sunday against the Chiefs.
Rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph (personal) did not practice. Rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright (hamstring) went from full participation Wednesday to limited work Thursday.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein had full practice Thursday after being activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
11:18 a.m. – Tyron Smith "had a good practice" Wednesday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy, as the veteran left tackle hopes to return to the lineup Sunday against the Chiefs after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
Smith had limited participation in Wednesday's light practice. McCarthy says it's the same plan in Thursday's padded practice: Smith will go through individual work and then possibly team drills based on how he's doing.
McCarthy was asked if Smith needs to take part in team drills this week for the team to be comfortable playing him Sunday.
"It's really just coming out of the injury situation," McCarthy said. "Obviously, we'd like to see him go through the 11-on-11. But the course of action is for him to go through the individual and we'll assess from there."
---------------------------------------
Nov. 17 Updates
4:22 p.m. – The Cowboys seem to be relatively healthy heading into Sunday's showdown with the Chiefs as the only player on the injury report is actually expected to play.
Tyron Smith, the Cowboys' left tackle who has missed the last two games with bone spurs in his ankle, was limited in practice and could be a "full" participant on Thursday.
Both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have said this week they expect Smith to play in Kansas City.
Here is the full injury report for both the Cowboys and Chiefs.
---------------------------------------
3:21 p.m. - For the second time this year, the fans have voted Dak Prescott as this week's FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week. Dak threw for 296 yards, two touchdowns and no picks, while running for another touchdown in just three quarters of play last Sunday in a 43-3 win over the Falcons.
Only Dak, Tom Brady and Joe Burrow have won this award twice this season.
By winning the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week Award, FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in Prescott's name to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), which will be applied towards needs-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.
---------------------------------------
1:28 p.m. - No player had a better performance in Week 10 in the entire NFL than Jourdan Lewis. That's at least according to the analytical website "ProFootballFocus."
Lewis received the highest grade of any individual player in the league last week, getting a 94.5 grade. The cornerback not only recorded an interception in the second half, but had two big pass breakups in the first quarter to stop a Falcons drive.
The Cowboys had three of the top 15 grades of the week as CeeDee Lamb had a 91.3 grade and Zack Martin posted a 91.1 grade, becoming the first player in the NFL this season to have four different games with a 90+ grade.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 15 Updates
4:42 p.m. – Sounds like the Cowboys avoided any significant injuries Sunday, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's arm contusion that limited his snap count in the 43-3 win over the Falcons.
"I think CeeDee's going to be fine," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "I don't have an exact (report) on if he's going to practice Wednesday, but I fully anticipate he'll be available."
Lamb led the offense with six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't play most of the second half, but the Cowboys' huge lead probably was a factor in that decision.
11:45 a.m. - As expected, Dak Prescott was one of three nominees this week for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week award. He went 24 of 31 (77.4 percent) for 296 yards and two touchdowns for a 127.9 passer rating and also rushed for a touchdown. He didn't even play into the fourth quarter as the Cowboys cruised to a 43-3 win.
Other nominees include Buffalo's Josh Allen and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes.
FedEx gives fans the opportunity to recognize weekly top-performing quarterbacks and running backs in games played on Thursday through Sunday through the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards. Voting is open until Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET 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.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 14 Updates
5:22 p.m. - He's back on the board. While it's hard to call Trevon Diggs in a slump because he didn't get an interception in two straight games, the second-year cornerback picked off yet another pass Sunday, his eighth of the season when he snagged a Matt Ryan pass in the third quarter.
Diggs had given up a touchdown in each of the last two games. But he said he was refocused this week, working on the fundamentals.
"Just getting back to the basics. It's the little details that I was missing out on," Diggs said. "You've got to stay on your details to stay sharp. So, I just did that."
Through nine games, Diggs now has an NFL-leading eight interceptions, getting even closer to the Cowboys' single-season record of 11 picks set by Everson Walls in 1981.
---------------------------------------
5:01 p.m. - What a day for Dorance Armstrong, who expected to have a bigger role on defense with Randy Gregory out this week. But he made a difference on both defense and special teams, recording a sack and a blocked punt.
He became the first player in Cowboys history to block a punt and record a sack in the game. Ironically, the last NFL player to do that is Tarell Basham, who accomplished that feat with the Jets in 2019. And before that, the last defensive end to do that was Robert Quinn, a former Cowboy, who did that with the Rams in 2011.
---------------------------------------
4:54 p.m. - While his stats weren't as gaudy this week, Ezekiel Elliott still had a couple of second-quarter touchdowns. But the biggest thing they did was set the tone, especially by electing to take the ball to start the game.
"We knew going into the game we had to start fast, we knew we had to makeup for last week," Zeke said. "We want the ball; we want to hit them in the mouth first. We wanted to go score first and that's what we did."
Zeke called his day "solid" although he acknowledged the lost fumble, his first of the season.
"That's something I've been doing well on this year," said Elliott, who lost five fumbles in 2020. "Definitely gotta lock back in on my ball security. Their defense came out, they played good against the run. A lot of movement, they were pretty disruptive. We went out there and hit our plays."
Elliott had 41 rushing yards on 14 carries (2.9 yard avg) with two touchdowns. He caught three passes for 15 yards. And he also had one pass for four yards - his first attempt of his career.
---------------------------------------
10:45 a.m. – Michael Gallup and Trysten Hill will both be available for this Week 10 game against the Falcons.
The Cowboys released their game day inactives on Sunday morning, and neither veteran was among them. Gallup will play in his first game since straining his calf in Week 1, while Hill is appearing for the first time since tearing his ACL in Week 5 of last year.
The team's five inactives are Will Grier, Israel Mukuamu, Tyron Smith, Simi Fehoko and Quinton Bohanna. Smith was ruled out Friday as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury. Grier was limited by a knee injury this week at practice, but it's normal for the third quarterback to be inactive if the starter and backup are healthy.
The Cowboys' three rookies, Mukuamu, Fehoko, Bohanna, are healthy scratches.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 12 Updates
3:08 p.m. – Starting left tackle Tyron Smith will miss a second straight game because of an ankle injury.
The Cowboys officially ruled Smith out of Sunday's game against the Falcons. Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday, but the Cowboys are expected to activate Michael Gallup from injured reserve this week.
Terence Steele started at left tackle for Smith last week and said the transition was a little more challenging than he expected after a successful five straight starts at right tackle for La'el Collins. But Steele said he's feeling more comfortable on the left side this week with more reps.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Falcons.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 11 Updates
3:45 p.m. – Wide receiver Michael Gallup is still on track to be activated from Injured Reserve/Designated to Return, head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Gallup started his 21-day practice window on Oct. 25, so technically the Cowboys could wait another week. But Gallup has progressed to a normal practice level and looked good again Wednesday leading up to Sunday's game against the Falcons, McCarthy said.
The fourth-year receiver has missed the last seven games with a calf injury. Cedrick Wilson has played well in Gallup's place but is dealing with a shoulder injury and will not practice again Thursday.
McCarthy said he doesn't expect any limitations for Gallup when he returns to the lineup.
"I think Michael will hit his stride," McCarthy said. "We'll get to Saturday and go through the whole weeks of work. I just think you've got to be smart with how much you use him, so we'll see how the rotation goes obviously with Amari (Cooper) CeeDee (Lamb) and Ced. We were being smart with Cedrick yesterday. Just really how we work out the reps I think will be the biggest part. But I don't envision Michael being held back any."
---------------------------------------
3:30 p.m. -- For the second straight day, left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson did not practice due to injury.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has practiced fully both days this week after an ankle injury kept him out of practice one day last week, so clearly the second-year starter is feeling better physically heading into Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Click here for the full injury reports for the Cowboys and Falcons.
---------------------------------------
The calf injury has popped up once again, this time it will sideline of the best defensive players.
Randy Gregory will miss multiple weeks, according to head coach Mike McCarthy after suffering the injury in Wednesday's practice.
For now, Gregory has not been placed on IR but it's a possibility.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 10 Updates
3:34 p.m. – Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson (shoulder), left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle), cornerback C.J. Goodwin (illness) and running back Corey Clement (illness) did not practice Wednesday.
And with kicker Greg Zuerlein currently on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, punter Bryan Anger and long snapper Jake McQuaide were held out of practice. They're not on Reserve/COVID and not considered close contacts, but the Cowboys' medical staff decided to hold them out Wednesday merely as a precaution.
Defensive end Randy Gregory has been dealing with a minor knee injury for a few weeks, but he was a limited participant Wednesday because of a calf issue, according to the injury report. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Gregory would have some scaled-back practice reps Wednesday to manage his workload heading into Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Falcons.
---------------------------------------
10:54 a.m. – The Cowboys aren't ruling Greg Zuerlein out of Sunday's game at this point, holding out hope that the veteran kicker can return from COVID-19 protocols in time to face the Falcons, but the club is making contingency plans for the week.
As reported Tuesday, kickers Lirim Hajrullahu and Brett Maher are scheduled to work out after Wednesday's practice.
"I just want to see both of them compete, go through the workout today and we'll hopefully have some information on which direction we'll go," McCarthy said. "Still hopeful Greg can hopefully, you know, potentially be ready. I know it's against the odds, but we'll see how it goes."
---------------------------------------
Nov. 9 Updates
4:33 p.m. – The Cowboys are bringing back a few familiar faces on Wednesday to try out for a possible opening at kicker this weekend.
The Cowboys have placed veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein on the Reserved/Covid-19 list, meaning he could miss this Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The Cowboys are working out Brett Maher, who spent nearly two years with the team in 2018-19, along with Liram Hajrullahu, who has been with the Cowboys in training camp and parts of the season on the practice squad.
Maher has made the four longest field goals in team history, including a 63-yarder against the Eagles in 2019. He also made a 63-yarder against the Jets in 2019 and a 62-yard kick in 2018 against the Eagles. But he struggled in mid-range kicks as well, eventually leading to his release in the 2019 season. Overall, Maher was 29 of 36 field goals in 2018 and 20 of 30 in 2019.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 8 Updates
5:02 p.m. – Dan Quinn isn't ready to "stroll down memory lane" this week.
Next on the Cowboys' schedule is the Atlanta Falcons, where Quinn was head coach from 2015-2020 and won the NFC title in 2016.
But the Cowboys' defensive coordinator is focused solely on correcting the defense's mistakes from the 30-16 loss to the Broncos.
"I have great memories for there and I always will and I think a lot of the really cool things that we accomplished there – and there were a lot of them – versus how it ended. And I think that's an important declaration," Quinn said about his time in Atlanta. "I'll certainly be forever grateful to (Falcons owner) Arthur (Blank) to give me the opportunity there and to all of the players I had the privilege to coach.
"But you guys saw the performance yesterday, so there is no time to take a stroll down memory lane. We've got some s**t to fix. So I'll be right where my feet are, right where I'm supposed to be, going after it as hard as we can."
---------------------------------------
Nov. 7 Updates
5:52 p.m. – At one point, Ezekiel Elliott was questionable to return to Sunday's game because of a knee contusion and was seen on the sideline with a heating pad on the injury.
But the veteran starter got back in the lineup after that brief rest period. He finished with 10 carries for 51 yards and three catches for 25 yards in the Cowboys' 30-16 loss.
"It's something I've been dealing with the past couple weeks," Elliott said about the knee issue. "Just a guy landed on it."
Elliott stayed in the game for the Cowboys' two late touchdown drives despite the Broncos' comfortable lead, a sign that the knee issue didn't limit him much.
---------------------------------------
5:45 p.m. – Like most everyone, Sunday's resounding 30-16 loss to the Broncos surprised Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones.
But the Cowboys entered the game with a 6-1 record, riding a six-game win streak. Jones knows they're capable of bouncing back quickly.
"Here at home we would've thought that physically that we could be better," Jones said. "To their credit they came to play, they came to play physically.
"Our guys we know what's at stake. Our players know what's at stake. I know the makeup of the players, I know the makeup of the staff, and they'll respond the way that we'd hope they would respond."
---------------------------------------
5:40 p.m. – Malik Turner almost made NFL history Sunday.
Had Turner's blocked punt in the third quarter counted as a block in the stat sheet, he would've become the first player ever with two touchdown catches and a blocked punt in a single game.
But the blocked punt didn't count because the Cowboys touched the ball after it crossed the line of scrimmage. Technically, the Broncos recovered a muff by Dallas.
---------------------------------------
2:30 p.m. – There were no surprises among the Cowboys' inactives for Week 9.
Tyron Smith was ruled out on Friday afternoon, so it was expected to see his name among the four players who won't suit up against the Denver Broncos. Will Grier, Israel Mukuamu and Simi Fehoko are also inactive – all of them being healthy scratches.
It was a week without a lot of injury drama. Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper were both deemed healthy enough to play earlier this week, while Blake Jarwin was moved to injured reserve on Saturday. Michael Gallup also remained on injured reserve for this game, and the team will likely elevate him next week.
The Broncos will be without starting left tackle Garrett Bolles, who was ruled inactive along with Jamar Johnson, Malik Reed and Mike Purcell. Drew Lock and Noah Fant were also ruled out as part of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 6 Updates
2:30 p.m. – Francis Bernard looks likely to make his 2021 debut on Sunday.
The Cowboys elevated their second-year linebacker from injured reserve on Saturday afternoon. Bernard was a fun success story as a rookie, making the team as an undrafted free agent and appearing in 13 games.
Bernard injured his hamstring at the outset of training camp and has yet to play this year, but the loss of Jabril Cox to a torn ACL makes his return a timely on.
As Bernard returns from IR, the Cowboys also sent Blake Jarwin to the injured list. Jarwin injured his hip in the win against Minnesota and didn't practice this week. He'll now have to sit out for at least three games before he can return.
There had been speculation that Michael Gallup might return from his Week 1 calf injury for this game against Denver, but the Cowboys opted to leave him on injured reserve for one more week. With his three-week practice window expiring next week, it's a good bet Gallup will return to the roster soon.
The Cowboys also promoted Justin Hamilton to the active roster for a fourth time. Hamilton has spent most of this year on the practice squad, but he has been elevated three times. He played his best game of the season last week against the Vikings, tallying three tackles and two pressures.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 5 Updates
3:26 p.m. – As expected, left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) have officially been ruled out of Sunday's game against Denver.
Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and Amari Cooper (hamstring) are officially questionable for Sunday, but Cooper has been able to practice on a limited basis this week and Lamb took part in today's walkthrough and is expected to practice Saturday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
Quarterback Dak Prescott's game status for Sunday is not in question, according to the injury report. He's set to start after missing the Vikings game with a calf strain.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Broncos.
---------------------------------------
3:15 p.m. – Trevon Diggs gets most of the headlines in the Cowboys' secondary, and understandably so – he's got seven interceptions in seven games.
But Anthony Brown has also played well as the starting cornerback opposite Diggs. Together, they've formed a productive combination in coverage this season.
"He's coming off his seven-game interception streak, and me on the other side, people might feel like they're targeting me more because he's getting so many interceptions. But I feel like I'm just as good as any corner in this league and I feel like I'm holding my own on my side also," Brown said.
---------------------------------------
11:08 a.m. – CeeDee Lamb did not practice Thursday due to an ankle injury in Wednesday's practice, but head coach Mike McCarthy sounded optimistic about Lamb's availability to play Sunday against Denver.
"He's getting better. I'm not of high concern," McCarthy said. "We have the mock game (walkthrough) today, so he'll be part of that and I anticipate he'll practice tomorrow. That's the plan."
Lamb wore a helmet and worked off to the side with the athletic training staff during the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 4 Updates
4:03 p.m. – Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb did not practice Thursday due to an ankle injury that occurred during Wednesday's practice.
Lamb wore a helmet and worked off to the side with the athletic training staff during the portion of practice open to the media. Fellow starting wide receiver Amari Cooper (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Broncos.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 3 Updates
3:18 p.m. – Dak Prescott (calf) participated in Wednesday's short practice as head coach Mike McCarthy scaled back the team's workload coming off the Sunday night road game.
Prescott was listed as a limited participant, though the participation levels on Wednesday's injury report are a reflection of a full practice. The Cowboys are scheduled to have a normal practice Thursday, and McCarthy said Prescott might be a full participant if he continues to make progress with his calf.
Prescott was inactive against the Vikings because of a calf strain, but the Cowboys are optimistic that he can return to action Sunday against the Broncos if the week of practice goes well.
---------------------------------------
10:35 a.m. - Not only will Tyron Smith not practice on Wednesday, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said his chances of playing Sunday seem unlikely.
McCarthy said Smith would be "pressed to play" this week against Denver because of spurs in his ankle.
Smith missed the second half of the Vikings game and parts of the New England game as well two weeks earlier with an ankle injury.
McCarthy said the Cowboys will work on a few options at left tackle but said he'd "rather Denver find out when they find out." Those options likely include Ty Nsekhe starting at left tackle, or perhaps La'el Collins. Terence Steele has started the last six games at right tackle but he practiced at left tackle during training camp.
---------------------------------------
10:31 a.m. - The tight end is expected to miss Wednesday's practice with a hip injury.
Jarwin suffered the injury in the game against the Vikings. He was held without a catch for the second time in the last three games. He has just 10 catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 2 Updates
3:03 p.m. – The Cowboys made two roster moves Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to moving Jabril Cox to injured reserve with his torn ACL, the team opted to waive second-year defensive end Bradlee Anae.
Anae drew a costly offside penalty in the second quarter of Sunday's win against Minnesota. With the Vikings facing a 4th-and-5 from their own 30-yard line and punting, Anae jumped early and afforded the Minnesota offense a new opportunity. The Vikings would ultimately move the ball into range for a 45-yard field goal, extending their lead to 10-3.
Anae will be subject to the NFL's waiver system. It's possible the Cowboys could bring him back to their practice squad if he does clear waivers.
With several players – including Michael Gallup – working their way back from injury, the Cowboys now have two open roster spots heading into Week 9.
---------------------------------------
Nov. 1 Updates
5:11 p.m. - Head coach Mike McCarthy wasn't shy with his answer when asked about rookie linebacker Micah Parsons, who has already wowed the Cowboys with his play so far. But apparently, Sunday night's game in Minnesota was on another level.
"I thought it was his best game purely as a football player," McCarthy said. "Clearly, it was his best week of preparation. He had a huge night. He was all over the field. I thought he clearly played his best game as a Cowboy."
Parsons had 11 tackles, including four for loss, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to have 10+ tackles and four behind the line of scrimmage in a single game.
Parsons spent most of the game as a pure linebacker, but had a few pass-rushes from the defensive line rotation.
---------------------------------------
11:58 p.m. — The Cowboys announced three injuries following Sunday's win over the Vikings:
Left tackle Tyron Smith sprained his left ankle and did not return to the game. Smith was on the injury report during the week with an ankle issue from the Patriots game before the bye week. Ty Nsekhe replaced him in the lineup.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs sprained his right ankle on the game's final drive but said afterward that the injury wasn't serious.
Rookie linebacker Jabril Cox suffered a right knee sprain and left the stadium with the team on crutches. He'll be re-evaluated Monday.
---------------------------------------
11:58 p.m. — With 73 scrimmage yards against the Vikings, Ezekiel Elliott became the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 9,000 scrimmage yards (78 career games). The only players to reach that milestone faster: Edgerrin James, LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Dickerson and Le'Veon Bell.
The most important of those 73 yards: Elliott's 15-yard catch and run on third-and-11 to set up Cooper Rush's winning touchdown pass to Amari Cooper in the final minute.
"We ran a triple-seam play, looking at taking a shot at the end zone," Elliott said. "They covered that up, everyone got depth. Coop just threw the check-down. After that, I just ran hard, and just got the first."
---------------------------------------
Oct. 31 Updates
5:44 p.m. – After a week of suspense, the news is now official: Dak Prescott will not play in this Halloween game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Prescott went through an extensive pregame routine Sunday evening in an effort to play through his current calf injury, but the Cowboys ultimately deemed he wasn't ready.
Cooper Rush will make his first NFL start in Prescott's place. The former Central Michigan standout signed in Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has spent much of the last four years as the Cowboys' backup. Rush was released last spring when the team signed Andy Dalton, but he rejoined the roster in the fall when both Prescott and Dalton were lost due to injury.
Rush entered training camp as the presumed No. 3 quarterback behind Prescott and Garrett Gilbert, but he made a late push and ultimately won the backup job in the final week of the preseason.
As for Prescott, he'll now have an additional week to rest and recuperate in the hopes of starting next week when the Cowboys host the Denver Broncos.
The Cowboys' four other inactives for this game are Israel Mukuamu, Azur Kamara, Matt Farniok and Simi Fehoko.
---------------------------------------
Oct. 30 Updates
2:37 p.m. — Rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph is set to make his NFL debut.
The Cowboys have activated the second-round draft pick from the injured reserve/designated to return list ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings.
If active Sunday, Joseph will provide depth at cornerback and likely play on special teams.
Joseph missed the first six games with a hamstring injury suffered in preseason.
The Cowboys also elevated defensive tackle Justin Hamilton from the practice squad (standard elevation) Saturday.
---------------------------------------
Oct. 29 Updates
3:02 p.m. – Quarterback Dak Prescott (calf), left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and defensive end Dorance Armstrong are officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
The Cowboys are likely to wait until the weekend to decide whether Prescott will start Sunday.
Like Prescott, Smith and Armstrong had limited participation in practice this week. Armstrong has missed the previous four games with an ankle injury.
Smith rolled his ankle in the Cowboys' Oct. 17 win over the Patriots, but head coach Mike McCarthy said the bye week helped him heal up and the team will be smart with his practice workload as they move into a stretch of six games in 33 days.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Vikings.
---------------------------------------
3:02 p.m. – Cooper Rush knows a final decision on Dak Prescott's playing status Sunday won't be made until the weekend, but the backup quarterback is staying ready in case Prescott doesn't play due to a calf strain that has limited his work in practice this week.
Rush has taken first-team reps in practice this week while Prescott has rehabbed on the side and worked in individual drills.
"That helps more than usual," Rush said. "Usually you're preparing for a game as the backup without getting any reps all week. So definitely going into it, you feel a whole lot better."
---------------------------------------
Oct. 28 Updates
5:33 p.m. -- Thursday's injury report for the Cowboys looks exactly the same as Wednesday's: quarterback Dak Prescott (calf strain), left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle), cornerback Trevon Diggs (ankle) and defensive end Dorance Armstrong (ankle) all had limited practice participation once again.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Vikings.
---------------------------------------
10:46 p.m. – Head coach Mike McCarthy said Dak Prescott's calf responded well to his limited practice work Wednesday and the Cowboys will take a similar approach to Thursday's practice.
"He'll start with the rehab component, then get into the individual (drills), then we'll see what he can do after that," McCarthy said.
cott appeared to be moving well in his warmup and some individual drills during the open portion of Wednesday's practice. He's working through a calf strain suffered Oct. 17 in the Cowboys' overtime win over the Patriots.
Regarding Prescott's playing status for Sunday against the Vikings, McCarthy said "there's no timeline on when we're going to make the decision."
"I think you take in the full week," McCarthy said. "Dak has a ton invested as far as his personal conditioning and we trust the relationship between him and (associate athletic trainer/director of rehabilitation) Britt (Brown) to get across that threshold. That's frankly where we stand."
---------------------------------------
