Don't miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys' regular season. Presented by Sleep Number
Sept. 30 Updates
3:34 p.m. – Randy Gregory (knee) was added to Thursday's injury report and did not practice, but the starting defensive end was with the team before heading inside just prior to the start of practice, which seems encouraging for his availability Sunday against the Panthers.
Running back Tony Pollard (not injury related) did not practice because of a personal matter.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Panthers.
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12:28 p.m. – The Cowboys have designated wide receiver Malik Turner (foot) for return from the Reserve/Injured list.
Turner is still on IR, but he's now started a 21-day practice window. The Cowboys can activate Turner at any point during that three-week period.
Turner began the season on IR with a foot injury sustained during preseason. If activated, he would provide receiver depth and special teams experience.
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Sept. 29 Updates
5:17 p.m. – Safety Donovan Wilson (groin), offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe (heat-related illness), defensive end Dorance Armstrong (ankle) and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (knee) are on Wednesday's injury report as the Cowboys start their Week 4 preparation.
All four players did not play Monday against the Eagles. The Cowboys held a walkthrough Wednesday, so their "did not practice" designations are estimations.
Panthers starting running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and reportedly could miss multiple weeks, including Sunday's game at AT&T Stadium.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Panthers.
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2:12 p.m. - While his five-game suspension remains upheld by the NFL, Cowboys right tackle La'el Collins is allowed back inside the team facility this week.
Per NFL rules, Collins can be in the team meetings, work with the strength and conditioning coaches and the athletic trainers. While he remains suspended for the next three games for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Collins is not allowed to practice or be on the practice field while at The Star or Ford Center.
For now, Collins is expected to return to action following the Cowboys' Oct. 17 game in New England. After the ensuing bye week, his next game should be Oct. 31 in Minnesota.
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Sept. 27 Updates
11:52 p.m. – Micah Parsons' versatility was on full display once again.
With the Cowboys thin up front Monday, the first-round draft pick was featured mostly a pass rusher for the second straight game. Lining up in multiple spots around the line of scrimmage, he tied for second on the team with four tackles and had a half-sack on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, giving him 1.5 through three games.
Parsons and the defensive line got consistent pressure on Hurts, sacking him twice and hitting him five times.
"Like I said in the preseason, it just makes your chess piece more valuable. So the more I can do – like, you saw me today, I was over D-Tackle some," Parsons said. "The more I can do, the more I can get on the field. And the more I'm on the field, I feel I can be dynamic and help win."
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11:50 p.m.— Here's a win on top of a 20-point win: the Cowboys did not have any injuries to report after Monday's 41-21 victory over the Eagles.
That's welcome news given the team's injuries and COVID-19 related absences in Week 3. Linebacker Keanu Neal and defensive end Bradlee Anae are currently on the Reserve/COVID list, and the Cowboys were still playing without several defensive starters, including DeMarcus Lawrence (IR/foot), Neville Gallimore (IR/elbow) and Donovan Wilson (groin).
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10:44 p.m. - In this offense, the tight ends usually take a backseat to the rest of the skill players. But that wasn't the case Monday night as Dalton Schultz led the team in targets (7), receptions (6) and yards (80) in the 41-21 win.
Oh, and don't forget about TD catches, as Schultz hauled in two touchdowns for his first multi-score game of his career.
But Schultz still credits the playmakers around him for opening up the chances for fellow tight end Blake Jarwin and himself.
"I just think it's hard to guard us," Schultz said. "You have three electric players in our receivers when (Gallup) is healthy. Ced came in, and he's just as electric. It's tough when we have as much depth as we have. Guys sit back and try to play shell, which opens up a lot of opportunities for tight ends in the middle. It plays well. We have options everywhere. It's a good problem to have."
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10:22 p.m. - The Cowboys have been dealing with setback after setback at defensive tackle, including the recent knee injury to Carlos Watkins, who missed Monday's game.
But rookie Osa Odighizuwa answered the call against the Eagles, recording his best game of his young career. He posted 1.5 sacks, along with a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. The rookie from UCLA admitted he was a bit tired after chasing Eagles QB Jalen Hurts in and out of the pocket.
We were running around a lot because he is mobile," Odighizuwa said. "But when you see it's a turnover or a pass breakup, it gives you some more life. It's great having guys like Diggs out there."
Odighizuwa became the first Cowboys rookie in five years (Maliek Collins, 2016) to post a multi-sack game.
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9:34 p.m. - With two rushing touchdowns Monday night against the Eagles, Elliott moved into third place on the Cowboys' all-time rushing TD list.
Zeke finished the game with two scores, giving him 49 for his career. He entered the game tied with Marion Barber (47) for third, but now trails only Emmitt Smith (153) and Tony Dorsett (72) on the Cowboys' all-time list.
Elliott finished the game with 95 rushing yards on 17 carries and caught three passes for 21 yards.
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5:51 p.m. – Not much in the way of surprises for this Week 3 tilt.
The Cowboys announced their inactives prior to kickoff on Monday night, and it was a relatively lowkey list of five. Donovan Wilson will miss his second-straight game with a groin injury, and he's joined on the inactive list by Will Grier, Ty Nsekhe, Carlos Watkins and Dorance Armstrong.
With the exception of Grier, who is a healthy scratch as the third quarterback, these were all expected absences. Armstrong and Watkins both suffered injuries during the Week 2 win in Los Angeles, and Nsekhe is still recovering from the heat-related illness he suffered last week.
With Armstrong and Watkins both out, the Cowboys called up Justin Hamilton from the practice squad to help with their pass rush. Look for Micah Parsons to once again help supplement the Cowboys' depleted pass rush, as well.
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5:50 p.m. -- Cowboys captains tonight against the Eagles:
Running back Ezekiel Elliott (offense)
Safety Damontae Kazee (defense)
Running back Corey Clement (special teams)
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2:30 p.m. – Ahead of tonight's kickoff against Philadelphia, the Cowboys have elevated three players from the practice squad: rookie running back Nick Ralston as a standard elevation, and defensive tackle Justin Hamilton and tight end Jeremy Sprinkle as COVID-19 replacements for linebacker Keanu Neal and defensive end Bradlee Anae, who are on the Reserve/COVID list.
Sprinkle has been elevated for the third straight week, presumably to be the No. 3 tight end once again. Hamilton appeared in 10 games last season, and with the Cowboys thin on the defensive line in Week 3, he can provide depth in the rotation against the Eagles.
Assuming Ralston is active tonight, this will be the Dallas-area native's NFL debut, and he could help fill Anae's normal role on special teams.
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Sept. 25 Updates
1:38 p.m. -- Starting safety Donovan Wilson (groin) is officially doubtful for Monday's game against the Eagles. Wilson did not play against the Chargers in Week 2 and hasn't practiced yet this week.
Starting wide receiver Amari Cooper (rib) is set to play Monday. His game status is not in question, according to the injury report.
The Eagles announced Saturday that starting left tackle Jordan Mailata (knee) will not play Monday.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Eagles.
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10:56 a.m. -- Linebacker Keanu Neal and defensive end Bradlee Anae (Reserve/COVID-19 list) will not play Monday against the Eagles, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Neal and Anae tested positive for COVID, McCarthy said.
Neal has played at least 50 snaps in the first two games, so his absence Monday will affect the linebacker depth. The Cowboys are also hurting at defensive end. Anae, Dorance Armstrong (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (Reserve/Injured - foot) will not play Monday.
How those rotations look Monday is to be determined.
"We're still working through the final pieces of our 48-man projected roster for Monday night," McCarthy said. "As far as how we're going to play them, a lot of it has to do with how they play. We'll be somewhere in the area of eight or nine defensive linemen available."
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Sept. 24 Updates
3:35 p.m. – The Cowboys have support wherever they go, but Monday will be different.
Dallas is one of just five teams – along with Denver, Minnesota, New Orleans and San Francisco – to open the season with back-to-back road games in 2021.
Factor in the time Dak Prescott missed last season due to injury, and his debut at AT&T Stadium against Philadelphia takes on a new level of meaning.
"Obviously, the first two they traveled great and we felt the energy and felt that," Prescott said. "But just knowing the support that they've given me over these past – I guess going on a year – was important, was something I felt."
Prescott spoke with reporters for 15 minutes on Friday afternoon. Watch the full video here.
"I think it will be more special because of the amount of Cowboy fans that will be there versus the away games. Knowing that, when I run out there – once again, whether it's pregame, whether it's in a moment within the game, just to be able to see up there and to know that, after COVID and what we went through last year, it will be exciting.
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3:19 p.m. - The Cowboys have been patiently waiting the debut of third-round pick Chauncey Golston, who missed all of training camp, the preseason and the first two games with a hamstring injury. But not only is he expected to make his NFL debut on Sunday, he could play a bigger role because of his versatility.
The defensive end from Iowa also has experience lining up inside at tackle. With the Cowboys without pass-rushers Dorance Armstrong (ankle) and Bradlee Anae (Covid-19 list) and also defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (knee), Golston could line up in a variety of spots Monday night.
Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said on 105.3 "The Fan" on Friday "it feels good that Golston is going to get his first live action." He also said the Cowboys will be rather creative once again in how they use rookie Micah Parsons, who played most defensive end last week in LA.
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3:01 p.m. -- Starting safety Donovan Wilson did not practice again Friday because of a groin injury.
Wilson did not play against the Chargers last Sunday, and his status for Monday's game against the Eagles is in question, too.
"It's a soft tissue injury, so you've got to be smart," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's in the rehab process. He's on the field with (associate athletic trainer/director of rehabilitation) Britt (Brown) and that's always the last stage."
Rookie wide receiver Simi Fehoko (knee) was the only addition to the official injury report from Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday. Starting receiver Amari Cooper (rib) was upgraded from limited participation Thursday to full practice Friday.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Eagles.
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Sept. 23 Updates
4:52 p.m. – Starting wide receiver Amari Cooper had limited participation in Thursday's practice after sustaining bruised ribs against the Chargers, but says the injury is improving.
"I'm getting better every day. I think I'll be good to go for Monday night," he said after practice on 105.3 The Fan.
Safety Donovan Wilson (groin), defensive end Dorance Armstrong (ankle), defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (knee) and offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe (illness) did not practice Thursday. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Armstrong, Watkins and Nsekhe are not expected to play Monday against the Eagles.
Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Eagles.
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Sept. 21 Updates
5:12 p.m. – The Cowboys on Tuesday released kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and signed wide receiver Damion Ratley to the practice squad, according to the NFL's official transactions page.
Hajrullahu was signed last week for depth after the season opener, when Greg Zuerlein missed two field goals (including a 31-yard try) and an extra point.
Zuerlein bounced back last Sunday against the Chargers, though, making both of his field goal attempts, including the game-winning 56-yard try in the final seconds.
Ratley was drafted by Cleveland in the sixth round out of Texas A&M in 2018. He has played in 31 career games with the Browns and Texans, catching 29 passes for 407 yards and a touchdown.
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Sept. 20 Updates
4:39 p.m. - For those who might be wondering just how temporary this move for Micah Parsons will be, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was quick to mention two little words in describing Parsons switching from linebacker to defensive end.
"This week."
In other words, it certainly doesn't sound as if Quinn is ready to put Parsons' hand on the ground every play and having him rush off the edge. And it's not because he didn't like the way his rookie played in his last-second switch to end.
"I thought he did a good job," Quinn said. "That will continue to be a part of what he does. But there's also some really good linebacker things that he does. So we're going to make sure we don't overload him but give him the right amount. He was definitely chomping at the bit to do more in the game."
The Cowboys are expected to get defensive end Randy Gregory back off the COVID-19 list in time for him to play before next Monday's game with the Eagles.
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11:21 a.m. - Fresh off his third career 100-yard game, Tony Pollard was one of three nominees for this week's FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week award.
Splitting time with Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard rushed for 109 yards on 13 attempts (8.4 avg.) and one touchdown in the Cowboys' Week 2 win over then Chargers Sunday. Other Ground nominees this week include Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb.
Fans can vote for Pollard until Wednesday at 2 pm (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.
Through the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards, FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in the names of the winning quarterback and running back ($4,000 total) to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Each donation will be made in the name of the winning quarterback and running back, which will go towards needs-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.
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Sept. 19 Updates
8:01 p.m. – Look for further information about Amari Cooper's injury on Monday.
Cooper suffered a rib injury on one of the final plays of Sunday's win against the Chargers, as he took a shot to the chest on a 12-yard gain that helped move the Cowboys into field goal range.
After being helped off the field by the medical staff, Cooper watched the final few plays from the sideline with his helmet on. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy will likely update his status at his Monday press conference.
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7:54 p.m. - While it might not have been a huge stat line for the receivers this week, CeeDee Lamb still tied a career-high with eight catches on Sunday, totaling 81 yards. He also had a 13-yard run from the backfield, showcasing his versatility even more.
And he nearly provided one of the best highlights of the day just before halftime when he took a short pass and worked with Ezekiel Elliott down the field on a crazy play that almost went for a touchdown.
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12:01 p.m. – Malik Hooker and Israel Mukuamu are officially active for Week 2.
The Cowboys announced just four inactives prior to Sunday's kickoff against the Los Angeles Chargers. In addition to Donovan Wilson and Ty Nsekhe, the team also opted to sit Will Grier and Chauncey Golston.
Golston practiced for the first time since OTAs this week, so it was always a bit of a stretch to think he might be ready for this game. The Cowboys will continue to increase his participation in an effort to get him ready for the coming weeks. Grier is a healthy scratch as the Cowboys' third quarterback.
The main news is that it'll be all hands on deck to help deal with a banged up safety spot. Wilson was ruled out on Saturday, and Damontae Kazee also injured his thigh in practice this week – though he is active for the game. Look for Hooker to help split the reps alongside Kazee and Jayron Kearse, while Mukuamu will likely have a special teams role.
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12:01 p.m. -- Captains for Sunday's road game against the Chargers:
LT Tyron Smith (offense)
DE Dorance Armstrong (defense)
WR Cedrick Wilson (special teams)
Wilson and Armstrong will have larger roles on offense and defense, respectively, because Michael Gallup (calf) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are on Reserve/Injured for a three-week minimum. Smith grew up in the Los Angeles area, so Sunday's game is a homecoming of sorts for the seven-time Pro Bowler.
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Sept. 18 Updates
2:33 p.m. – The Cowboys will be without Donovan Wilson for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that Wilson would not make the trip if he wasn't healthy enough to play, and the team confirmed that Saturday prior to departure.
In addition, Jeremy Sprinkle has also been promoted from the practice squad for the second-straight week. Sprinkle fills the roster spot vacated by Randy Gregory, who is still on the reserve/COVID-19 list and also won't be participating Sunday. The veteran tight end will round out the depth chart behind Dalton Schultz and Blake Jarwin.
Losing Wilson puts the Cowboys in a slight bind at the safety spot. Fellow starter Damontae Kazee also injured his thigh in practice this week and is questionable for Sunday. It's a good bet Malik Hooker will make his Cowboys debut to help offset the loss, while Jayron Kearse figures to have a sizable role, as well. Rookie Israel Mukuamu may also be active for the first time after sitting out of the season opener as a healthy scratch.
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Sept. 17 Updates
2:48 p.m. – Starting safeties Donovan Wilson (groin) and Damontae Kazee (thigh) are officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Wilson started against the Bucs in Week 1 but hasn't practiced this week because of a groin injury that he dealt with late in training camp. Kazee was had limited participation Thursday after a collision in practice Wednesday. The Cowboys held a walkthrough Friday.
Offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe has been ruled out of Sunday's game because of a heat-related illness. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) has been placed on Reserve/Injured for a minimum of three weeks.
Defensive end Randy Gregory is still on the Reserve/COVID list.
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2:45 p.m. – Situational pass rushing was part of Micah Parsons' workload in the season opener against Tampa Bay.
With DeMarcus Lawrence on Reserve/Injured for a few weeks and Randy Gregory still in COVID-19 protocol, could the rookie linebacker see more edge rusher snaps Sunday against the Chargers?
"Just depends on how things go throughout the game," Parsons said Friday. "If I'm needed, if my number is called, I'll be more than happy to help the team out. But basically I'm going into the game with the same plan as the week before. If I go to the line, I rush, and if I'm covering, I'm covering."
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2:21 p.m. - Rookie wide receiver Osirus Mitchell suffered a sprained foot in practice this week and will head to the injured/practice squad list.
Mitchell is now one of three practice squad players on IR, along with Deante Burton and Darian Thompson.
A rookie from Mississippi State, Mitchell had some nice moments during training camp but was released at the end of preseason and signed to the practice squad.
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11:23 p.m. – With La'el Collins starting a five-game NFL suspension and backup Ty Nsekhe (heat illness) not available to play Sunday, the Cowboys' right tackle situation will look much different against the Chargers.
Terence Steele and Nsekhe were the primary backup tackles in training camp and the season opener, which makes Steele the likely starter Sunday. But head coach Mike McCarthy said third-year veteran Brandon Knight – who worked primarily at guard in camp – is another option there.
Knight has 10 career starts at tackle over the past two seasons, including nine at left tackle while Tyron Smith was on Reserve/Injured in 2020.
"He's definitely an option," McCarthy said of Knight. "We all know what the options are. We'll take that to the game."
Zack Martin also started two games at right tackle last season, but McCarthy has spoken about Martin's value at right guard, where he's made six career Pro Bowls.
McCarthy said Nsekhe has been discharged from a local hospital after the veteran tackle stayed overnight to treat symptoms of heat exhaustion.
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Sept. 16 Updates
3:09 p.m. -- Starting safeties Damontae Kazee and Donovan Wilson both appeared on Thursday's official injury report. Wilson sat out a second straight practice with a groin injury, and Kazee had limited practice participation due to a thigh injury.
With both starting safeties on the injury report and safety Darian Thompson on the Practice Squad/Injured list, veteran Malik Hooker could get his first game action of the season Sunday against the Chargers. Hooker was inactive in Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
Rookie defensive end Chauncey Golston (hamstring) practiced fully again Thursday, and rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright returned to practice after being excused for a personal matter Wednesday.
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3:04 p.m. – DeMarcus Lawrence had surgery Thursday morning to repair the foot fracture he suffered in Wednesday's practice, head coach Mike McCarthy said. The Cowboys placed Lawrence on Reserve/Injured, which requires a minimum three-week stay on IR.
Lawrence will miss "significant time," McCarthy said, but the injury isn't considered season-ending. The injury occurred during a one-on-one pass rush drill.
Assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett also underwent surgery for a torn quadriceps tendon suffered at the start of Wednesday's practice.
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Sept. 15 Updates
3:32 p.m. – Greg Zuerlein is putting the season opener behind him.
After missing two field goals and an extra point in last Thursday's four-point loss to the Bucs, the veteran kicker is looking toward Week 2 against the Chargers.
"I'm not going to make an excuse for why I made or missed a kick because there really is no excuse. I missed it," he said. "Whether I had time (to kick in preseason) or not, it really is irrelevant. I've just got to go out there and do my job."
Zuerlein spent most of training camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list following offseason back surgery. Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said Zuerlein was also managing a quad issue late in camp. Zuerlein said physically he feels good at this point.
The Cowboys signed Lirim Hajrullahu to the practice squad Tuesday for kicking depth, but Zuerlein, a 10-year veteran, understands the business. He's just focused on having a better game Sunday.
"I would be surprised if they didn't (add another kicker)," he said. "That was a bad game, no skirting around that. But I think everyone in this organization wants to win. And so whether there's a kicker here or not, it doesn't affect what I do. I'm still going to go there and practice, get my reps and put my best foot forward."
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11:05 a.m. – Starting defensive end Randy Gregory is still on the Reserve/COVID list as the Cowboys get back to practice Wednesday.
The Cowboys haven't ruled Gregory out against the Chargers, but it remains to be seen if he will clear protocol in time for Sunday's game.
"If you look at the history, it's been 10 days, pretty much, (with) everybody we've dealt with in the COVID protocol. We'll just see how it goes," head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Dorance Armstrong will get more practice reps this week while Gregory is sidelined.
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Sept. 14 Updates
4:03 p.m. -- The Cowboys signed kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and wide receiver Robert Foster to the practice, filling two open spots after the team placed safety Darian Thompson and cornerback Deante Burton on the Practice Squad/Injured list.
Hajrullahu was briefly on the training camp roster at the end of preseason. He provides kicker depth behind Greg Zuerlein, who went 3 of 5 on field goal attempts with a missed extra point in the season opener against Tampa Bay. Zuerlein spent most of training camp ramping up from offseason back surgery and was dealing with a quad issue late in preseason.
Foster, undrafted out of Alabama in 2018, has appeared in 30 career games with Buffalo and Washington, totaling 32 catches for 642 yards and 3 touchdowns. He provides some extra receiver depth with Michael Gallup (calf strain) on Reserve/Injured for a minimum of three weeks.
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Sept. 13 Updates
4:19 p.m. – Playing his first full game since offseason back surgery, Greg Zuerlein hit a critical 48-yard field goal late against the Bucs but also missed two field goal attempts (31, 60 yards) and an extra point in the Cowboys' 31-29 season-opening loss.
Special teams coordinator John Fassel, who has coached Zuerlein for a decade with the Cowboys and previously the Rams, expressed confidence that Zuerlein will find his rhythm.
The veteran kicker missed most of training camp and preseason because of the back surgery but did ramp up his kicking regimen on his own before returning from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list in late August.
"A couple of those misses, we don't attribute to lack of preparation time," Fassel said. "We thought we followed his post-surgery protocol right on the money.
"The first 31-yarder he just mishit it, pulled it left. And then the PAT he hit it pretty good, just pulled it a little bit left. Nothing to attribute to it other than just a miss."
According to NFL Network, the Cowboys are expected to sign kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to the practice squad this week with safety Darian Thompson and cornerback Deante Burton headed to the Practice Squad/Injured list. Hajrullahu kicked briefly for Dallas in training camp and would provide some depth there. But that move has not officially been made, and the club has expressed confidence in Zuerlein, who has a long track record of consistency.
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Sept. 10 Updates
5:47 p.m. – Head coach Mike McCarthy said wide receiver Michael Gallup is dealing with a "multiple-week injury" suffered in the Cowboys' opener against the Bucs.
"We're still working through the specifics of it, but he will not be available against the Chargers (a week from Sunday)," McCarthy said.
Gallup exited the game in the second half but remained standing on the Cowboys sideline. It was officially announced as an ankle injury during the game but reports Friday termed it a calf strain.
If the Cowboys believe Gallup's injury timeline is three weeks or more, they could opt to place him on the Reserve/Injured list, where he would be eligible to return after three weeks.
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson will likely see more snaps while Gallup is sidelined. Noah Brown is usually part of the receiver rotation, too, but he was inactive Thursday just after returning from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Elsewhere on the roster, McCarthy said safety Darian Thompson injured his hamstring against the Bucs and will miss some time. Thompson was elevated from the practice squad prior to kickoff.
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Sept. 9 Updates
11:31 p.m. – Wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered an ankle injury in the second half of the Cowboys' 31-29 loss to the Bucs and did not return.
Gallup initially was listed as questionable to return to the game, an encouraging sign that the injury won't keep him out for an extended period of time. He will be re-evaluated Friday.
Prior to the injury, Gallup had four catches for 36 yards.
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11:30 p.m. -- In his first regular-season game with the Cowboys, safety Damontae Kazee forced a critical fumble that prevented a Bucs touchdown and set up Dallas' field goal drive to take a 29-28 lead late in the fourth quarter.
But Kazee said he got poked in the eye while trying to block Bucs wide receiver Antonio Brown after the Cowboys' fumble recovery. He didn't return for the defense's final series -- Bucs quarterback Tom Brady's drive for the winning field goal -- because of blurry vision.
"I'm all right," he said after the game.
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10:37 p.m. - There are lots of players on the defense you might suspect would lead the team in tackles. Anthony Brown isn't one of them, and so his 11 tackles Thursday night isn't exactly a sign of a great performance.
While he did have his moments in run support, he was also chasing receivers around quite often, including a play in the second quarter when he was beaten by Antonio Brown for a 47-yard touchdown.
Antonio Brown had a huge game, racking up 121 yards while Chris Godwin had 105 on nine catches. Mike Evans was relatively quiet with three catches for 24 yards.
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10:22 p.m. – Listed as the starting tight end on the depth chart, Dalton Schultz had a big night for the Cowboys, picking up where he left off last year. We didn't exactly think that would be the case with Blake Jarwin returning from an ACL injury.
Both players technically started the game as the Cowboys opened in 12 personnel, but Schultz caught six passes on six targets for 45 yards. Jarwin had three catches for 20 yards but also drew a pass interference penalty that led to points.
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6:00 p.m. – The Cowboys held out hope as long as they could, but Zack Martin is not active this week as he remains on the COVID-19 list.
Martin needed to pass two straight COVID test and be symptom-free for 48 hours before kickoff.
"It just wasn't going to happen this week," Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said. "We're confident he'll be back soon."
Technically, Martin is not on the roster but the Cowboys are more than optimistic that he'll be back for next week's game in Los Angeles against the Chargers.
In his place for this game, Connor McGovern gets the start at right guard. And with Brandon Knight also still on the COVID list, the backup linemen for tonight are tackles Terence Steele, Ty Nsekhe and rookie Matt Farniok.
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1:30 p.m. -- The Cowboys have elevated safety Darian Thompson and tight end Jeremy Sprinkle from the practice squad to the roster ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Bucs.
The adjusted practice squad rules from last season remain in place: two practice squad players per week can be elevated for game day and then return to the practice squad.
Thompson was a part-time starter on defense and a core special teams player last season. Assuming he's active Thursday, Sprinkle gives the Cowboys a third tight end on the game day roster, joining Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz.
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Sept. 8 Updates
3:30 p.m. – It was always a bit of a long shot, but it looks increasingly unlikely that Zack Martin will be activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list in time for Thursday's opener against the Bucs.
"It's looking like a stretch," Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said Wednesday on 105.3 The Fan.
Martin did not travel with the team to Tampa, according to reports. The Cowboys haven't ruled him out all week because technically he could fly separately and join them before kickoff if he could pass COVID protocols first (two negative tests 24 hours apart, symptom free for 48 hours).
That apparently hasn't happened as of Wednesday afternoon, because Martin is still on Reserve/COVID. The Cowboys continue to prepare for Connor McGovern to start against the Bucs.
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2:17 p.m. – The Cowboys have activated wide receiver Noah Brown from the Reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Thursday's season opener at Tampa Bay.
Brown, a backup receiver and core special teams player, had been on Reserve/COVID since Aug. 31. The Cowboys had an open spot on the 53-man roster for Brown's return. He's now available to play against the Bucs.
Guard Zack Martin and guard/tackle Brandon Knight are still on Reserve/COVID.
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2:15 p.m. -- Looks like La'el Collins (neck) is set to start Thursday against the Bucs. Collins' status for the opener is not in question, according to the official injury report.
The veteran right tackle was held out of practice late in training camp and last week because of a neck stinger, but he has practiced this week without any issues.
Click HERE for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Bucs.
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This time last year, Randy Gregory had to wait until October before returning from an indefinite NFL suspension. He appeared in 10 games last year, posting 3.5 sacks while getting only about 40% of the defense's snaps.
This year, Gregory is a Week 1 starter at defensive end and a key player on a revamped Cowboys defense.
"I'm real excited. I think my body is ready for the workload of a full game," he said. "I'm keyed into my work and my assignments and things like that. I think as a whole, as a defense as a whole, I think we're ready to go for the assignments. So, very excited."
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Sept. 7 Updates
6:30 p.m. –The Cowboys might have a half-dozen players on injured reserve, and others on the Covid-19 list, but they're relatively healthy on the 53-man roster.
The only player not practicing in full is veteran tackle Ty Nsekhe, who has been limited with a foot injury.
Snapper Jake McQuaide was added on Tuesday with a foot injury.
The Bucs also added a few players to their injury report, including a starting wide receiver.
Click HERE for the full Bucs-Cowboys injury report.
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Sept. 6 Updates
2:30 p.m. – Right tackle La'el Collins (neck) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin) were full participants in Monday's padded practice as the Cowboys get ready for Thursday's season opener at Tampa Bay.
Quarterback Dak Prescott (shoulder) is also one of eight Cowboys players on the official injury report, but as expected, he was a full participant Monday, too. Prescott has had no practice limitations since the final week of training camp coming off a strained shoulder muscle. He will start Thursday.
Click HERE for the full injury report the Cowboys and Bucs. (Note: the injury report only refers to players on the current active roster, not players who are currently on Injured/Reserve, Reserve/PUP, Reserve/NFI or Reserve/COVID-19.)
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11:45 a.m. – The Cowboys have signed offensive lineman Aviante Collins to fill the open spot on their 16-player practice squad.
Collins, undrafted out of TCU in 2017, appeared in five games with the Vikings from 2017-2020. He went to training camp with the Steelers and was released in late August.
Collins is listed as a tackle but has also played guard.
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Sept. 5 Updates
11:39 a.m. – The Cowboys have signed punter Bryan Anger back the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's practice.
Anger is a vested veteran and wasn't required to go through waivers.
The Cowboys had an open roster spot for Anger to return after placing guard Zack Martin and offensive lineman Brandon Knight on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Guard/center Connor Williams has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
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The Cowboys got their first real taste of bad news this season - before the games have even started. Zack Martin will miss the season opener in Tampa Bay after being placed in the COVID-19 protocol.
Head coach Mike McCarthy announced the move Sunday, stating Martin will not play. Look for Connor McGovern to start at left guard in place of Martin.
The All-Pro guard dealt with multiple injuries last year, causing him to miss the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
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Sept. 3 Updates
12:20 p.m. – Guard Connor Williams has been cleared to go through conditioning work with the athletic training staff as he moves closer to a return from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
"My understanding is he can work in rehab mode, make sure everything checks out," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said.
Williams, the starting left guard who also worked as the second-team center in preseason, has been on Reserve/COVID-19 since last week.
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Sept. 2 Updates
11:13 a.m. - This is nothing new this time of year, but maybe a little more enhanced now with the NFL's new number rules, which allow more players a wider range of jersey numbers to wear in games.
Second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs is one of several players that will be switching numbers this year, moving to No. 7. Last year, Diggs wore No. 27 as a rookie but wore No. 7 in college at Alabama.
Other players expected to be on the move with their jerseys include rookies Jabril Cox, who is expected to wear No. 14, Osa Odighizuwa should be moving to No. 97 and Nahshon Wright is headed to No. 25.
As of now, the Cowboys' equipment staff is in the process of getting those players into their jerseys for practice so it's not official just yet. And there could be even more jersey switches between now and the start of the season.
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9:22 a.m. - For a moment during camp, it seemed rather certain Garrett Gilbert would be the No. 2 QB, considering he started the first three preseason games. Now, it appears he will be on the Patriots practice squad.
The Cowboys currently have four quarterbacks on the team, including the practice squad.
Gilbert was among the roster cuts this week as the Cowboys decided to keep Cooper Rush as the backup to Dak Prescott, claim Will Grier off waivers and then bring back Ben DiNucci to the practice squad.
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Sept. 1 Updates
12:22 p.m. - This definitely falls into the "roster management" category. Just like they did with veteran deep snapper Jake McQuaide, the Cowboys have also released Bryan Anger from the 53-man roster as more of a procedural move.
The Cowboys are expected to re-sign Anger, as well as McQuaide, at some point this week.
In order to place certain players on the NFL's IR-Return list, they must be on the roster for at least 24 hours. The Cowboys can cut vested veterans such as Anger, with an agreement they will return to the roster with major changes to their contract.
The Cowboys have done this same move in the past with players such as Kellen Moore, Joe Thomas and Brandon Carr.
Anger is entering his 11th year, having spent time with the Jaguars, Bucs and Texans throughout his career.
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Aug. 31 Updates
3:24 p.m. – Defensive end Chauncey Golston, who spent training camp on the Active/Physically Unable list, passed his physical and counts toward the initial 53-man roster.
Golston, a third-round draft pick, did not play in preseason due to a hamstring injury.
The Cowboys placed wide receiver Noah Brown on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. Currently, the club has five players on Reserve/COVID: Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Carlos Watkins, Damontae Kazee and Connor Williams.
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9:55 a.m. – The Cowboys won't officially announce their roster reduction to 53 players until later Tuesday, but reports of cuts have begun to surface.
Below are a few players who reportedly will be released or put on waivers:
- QB Ben DiNucci
- QB Garrett Gilbert
- RB JaQuan Hardy
- RB Brenden Knox
- WR Brandon Smith
- WR Johnnie Dixon
- WR Osirus Mitchell
- OT Eric Smith
- C Braylon Jones
- DE Ron'Dell Carter
- DE Austin Faoliu
- S Darian Thompson
- S Tyler Coyle
Speaking Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones confirmed that the club is going with Cooper Rush as the backup quarterback over Gilbert and DiNucci.
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Aug. 30 Updates
4:15 p.m. – Quarterback Dak Prescott had a strong week of practice participating in competitive drills for the first time since straining his shoulder July 28 in Oxnard.
Prior to kickoff Sunday, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said Prescott looks "good to go" for the start of the season.
"He really turned it loose and was none the worse for it," Jones said on Cowboys Countdown to Kickoff. "…I think that we really have done the right thing easing this along."
After final roster cuts, the players will return to work Thursday — and finally, they'll be able to turn their full attention to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Sept. 9 season opener against the defending Super Bowl champions.
"We've lost some opportunities to practice with Dak, so now that he's back our focus really, part of (offensive coordinator) Kellen's focus and Dak's focus, has been this past week," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "We need to get as much in between now and the Tampa Bay game, so our focus is on Tampa."
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