Don't miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys' regular season. Presented by Blockchain.com
Sept. 30
12:30 p.m. – Caelen Carson is currently on track to potentially return when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in primetime on Sunday.
The rookie fifth-round pick missed the victory over the New York Giants with a shoulder injury suffered in the loss against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, putting the Cowboys down their immediate replacement for All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, the latter working to return from injured reserve.
It looks as if at least one of the two could be on the field this weekend.
"I think Carson has a real chance," said executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones to 105.3 The Fan on Monday. "I think Bland is a longer shot. We'll see. I think [Bland] is really starting to pick it up now, in terms of the workload that Britt [Brown] is giving him. We'll continue to monitor his situation as we move forward."
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Sept. 26
11:21 p.m. – Having to leave the game in the second half, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence said "I'll be fine" when asked about his sprained foot injury.
Lawrence, who recorded the only sack of the game for the Cowboys, had to leave for the locker room after suffering the injury late in the third quarter.
"It's just a sprained foot, but I'll be fine." Lawrence said. "We will use these (10 days of rest) to get ready for another big game in Pittsburgh next week."
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10:44 p.m. – The Cowboys rewarded Lamb with one of the largest contracts in NFL history back in August, with the idea he would deliver consistent big plays.
Lamb had the longest pass play and running play of the night for the Cowboys, including his 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Lamb also had a 10-yard run, becoming the only player on the Cowboys' roster with multiple 10+-yard carries this season.
However, after recording six catches for 94 yards at the half, Lamb only had one reception for four yards to finish the game.
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10:39 p.m. - In a game in which the Cowboys' stifled the Giants' running game with a 1.1 yard average, linebacker Eric Kendricks was the one making many of the stops.
In fact, Kendricks was credited with 13 tackles.
"Games like this come down to being physical and making plays in the trenches. I thought we fought back tonight and forced them into passing the ball. We made an effort to stop the run, and we did."
The Cowboys entered the game ranked last in the NFL in run defense allowing 185.7 yards per game. After allowing just 26 on the ground Thursday, that average dropped to 145.7.
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10:33 p.m. – Showing that he's human, Aubrey had his first missed field goal of the season, pushing a 52-yard attempt wide right in the final seconds of the game.
The kick would've given the Cowboys an 8-point lead.
"I just opened up hips up a little more on that kick," Aubrey said. "It's disappointing. I need to do a better job of just concentrating with the clock winding down."
Aubrey was referring to the fact the Cowboys were trying to milk as much time off the clock as possible, running the play clock down to about five seconds when he attempted the kick.
Still, it wasn't a bad night for Aubrey, who made two other field goals, including a 60-yarder in the second quarter.
Aubrey is now one of four kickers in NFL history to have three different field goals of 60+ yards.
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10:21 p.m. - Easily his most productive game of his career, fullback Hunter Luepke did a lot of the dirty work for the Cowboys on Thursday, but did so in multiple ways.
He not only had a critical 11-yard catch on the first scoring drive of the game to extend a drive, but later picked up a first down on a third-down as well. Luepke then added a third-down run for a first down on the final offensive drive to milk more clock.
And if that wasn't enough, he led the team with two special teams tackles.
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6:45 p.m. - The depth at defensive back will officially be tested by the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.
Both Caelen Carson, who started the season opposite Trevon Diggs due to DaRon Bland being moved to injured reserve, was listed as doubtful due to a shoulder injury but is not officially ruled out. Markquese Bell will join him on the sideline as one of the other seven inactive players against Big Blue.
The remaining inactives include Matt Waletzko, Ryan Flournoy, John Stephens Jr, Tyrus Wheat and Trey Lance, who will serve as the emergency quarterback.
In the absence of Carson, the Cowboys will award reps to Andrew Booth and Amani Oruwariye, the latter being elevated from the practice squad for this contest.
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Sept. 26
1:15 p.m. - There are a couple of injury concerns for the Dallas Cowboys' secondary going into their primetime matchup on Thursday against the New York Giants, namely Markquese Bell (ankle) and Caelen Carson (shoulder).
Both were listed as doubtful and with a chance one or both might be ruled out, the Cowboys elevated Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad on Thursday afternoon. Signed to the practice squad in late August, this marks the first elevation for the former fifth-round pick.
Carl Lawson was also brought up from the practice squad to try and aid the defensive line, his second elevation in as many weeks.
Lawson can be elevated one more time before a decision will need to be made on his roster spot, as the max number of elevations is three. He played in eight defensive snaps against the Ravens in Week 3.
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Sept. 24
4 p.m. - There is a chance the Dallas Cowboys could be heading into MetLife Stadium a bit shorthanded at the defensive back position.
Caelen Carson and Markquese Bell are currently dealing with a shoulder and ankle injury, respectively, and are being held out of walkthroughs this week to allow them some rest. No decision has been made on either ahead of Thursday Night Football, though.
"Getting better, getting better," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "Both will be a gametime decision, but Carson is closer."
In the event Carson is unable to play, look for added reps to Israel Mukuamu and/or Andrew Booth, the latter having been acquired via trade from the Vikings during training camp.
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Sept. 24
9:14 a.m. - The Cowboys are obviously on a short week as they get ready for the Giants. But they also need a boost in the running game.
Still, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said he doesn't expect this to be the week to see former Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, who is currently on the practice squad.
"I don't think this is the time that you have any real serious roster adjustments in at that particular time," Jones said on 105.3 'The Fan' when asked about Cook being elevated. "So I don't think so because of the short week for sure."
Cook has yet to be elevated for a game this year since joining the team before the start of the season. All players on the practice squad can be elevated three times on game day.
The Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL in rushing, averaging 73.7 yards per game after the first three weeks.
Sept. 23
5:01 p.m. – The Cowboys held a light practice on Monday but two defensive backs were listed as "DNP" on the injury report.
Rookie cornerback Caelen Carson suffered a shoulder injury, keeping him out of practice. And safety Markquese Bell was out with an ankle injury.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said he'll know more after Tuesday's practice.
"Tomorrow I'll give you a better idea. They both did what they need to do today," McCarthy said. "We'll know more tomorrow on both of those guys."
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Sept. 22
7:21 p.m. - In the midst of a crazy game that nearly saw the Cowboys pull off an amazing comeback, kicker Brandon Aubrey had one of the most memorable plays back in the first quarter.
But his 65-yard field goal wasn't just the only highlight for most of the first half, it's still the longest kick in Cowobys' history and the second-longest ever by any NFL player.
Ironically enough, the only field goal longer than Aubrey's was a 66-yarder by Baltimore's Justin Tucker, who was sitting on the other sideline.
Aubrey made a 60-yard field goal last year and is now one of eight players in NFL history with multiple 60-yard field goals in his career.
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6:13 p.m. - After missing a game with a knee injury, Ferguson responded with a team-high six catches for 95 yards.
Ferguson was targeted 11 times, and was a big reason for the offensive comeback in the second half.
For his career, Ferguson surpassed 1,000 yards for his career, becoming the second-fastest tight end in team history to hit the milestone in his first 35 games, joining Jason Witten (26 games).
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6:01 p.m. - With a fourth-quarter touchdown KaVontae Turpin became the first Cowboys player since 2013 to have a TD catch and a punt return score in the same season.
Turpin becomes the first player since Dwayne Harris to accomplish that feat, and the ninth overall in Cowboys history.
Turpin nearly scored twice in the fourth, hauling in a pass that went to the 1-yard line, resulting in a Dak Prescott TD run on the next play.
He finished with three catches for a career-high 51 yards.
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1:55 p.m. – Mazi Smith will not miss time this week with back tightness that held him out of the majority of practice leading into the matchup against the Ravens.
Listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, the former first-round pick was able to make progress going into the weekend and was given the green light after his pregame workout.
Inactives against the Ravens include John Stephens Jr., who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, Buddy Johnson, Andrew Booth, Matt Waletzko, Ryan Flournoy and Trey Lance.
Lance, as usual, will serve as the Cowboys' emergency quarterback.
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Sept. 21
1:15 p.m. – Carl Lawson is expected to provide aid to a Dallas Cowboys' defense that allowed 44 points at the hands of the New Orleans Saints one week ago.
Lawson has been elevated from the team's practice squad for the first time this season as they prepare to host Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens, his first action in Dallas since joining the team late in training camp before being released and re-signed to the 17-man unit.
He'll be joined in elevation this week by Nick Vigil, the veteran linebacker having seen action in both of the previous two games as well.
It marks the third and final elevation for Vigil, and that means the Cowboys will need to make a roster decision next week — whether to keep Vigil on the active roster or to release him and attempt to re-sign him back to the practice squad. As a vested veteran, he is not subject to waivers.
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Sept. 20
Here's the final injury report for Sunday's game at AT&T Stadium for both the Ravens and Cowboys.
**Cowboys:
*Questionable: *DT Mazi Smith (back)
**Ravens:
*Out:
*G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (NIR-Personal)
*Questionable:
*WR Deonte Harty (calf)
OLB David Ojabo (quad)
CB Nate Wiggings (neck/concussion)
Sept. 19
3:50 p.m. – After Zack Martin missed eight offensive snaps on Sunday due to a knee injury, Mike McCarthy pointed to Thursday's injury report as the true test for his availability against Baltimore.
That report brought good news as Martin was listed as a full participant Thursday after a "limited" designation on Wednesday. The All-Pro right guard was asked about how his knee felt entering the week and he was very brief:
"Feels good."
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11:31 a.m. - With two key players popping up on the injury report on Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy gave an optimistic answer when asked about the status of both Trevon Diggs and CeeDee Lamb.
"Yeah, they'll be limited today," he said Thursday. "I'm not of high concern there."
Diggs has a foot injury and Lamb is dealing with an ankle issue.
McCarthy said Mazi Smith "will have some work to do" to play this week with a back injury he sustained earlier this week.
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Sept. 18
4:45 p.m. – Several big names showed up on the Cowboys' injury report Wednesday, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Both missed practice, as did defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who left early with a back injury.
But Lamb sat out with an ankle injury and Diggs was out with a foot injury.
Tight end Jake Ferguson was listed as limited with a knee injury, after missing every practice last week and the game against the Saints.
Expect head coach Mike McCarthy to address those injuries and more during Thursday's press conference.
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11:45 a.m. – Lamar Jackson presents a unique challenge for defenses to gameplan against, because of his ability as a dual-threat quarterback. So much so, that it's tough to replicate with scout team reps during the week. However, head coach Mike McCarthy believes Trey Lance has the skillset to get close.
"We feel really good about the look Trey can give us there as far as running those scout team reps" McCarthy said. "Cooper [Rush] will handle some of the other things too. Lamar's a dynamic, dynamic player."
Lance led the NFL preseason in both passing (662) and rushing (168) yards after taking the majority of snaps for the Cowboys offense. While Lamar Jackson has tallied the most rushing yards (988) by a quarterback since the start of the 2023 season.
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Sept. 17
9:22 a.m. - With speculation the Cowboys need a boost in the running game, owner/GM Jerry Jones was asked on his Tuesday morning radio segment on 105.3 "The Fan" about the possibility of calling up Dalvin Cook from the practice squad.
"I don't necessarily see a change that would involve Cook this week," Jones said.
That could always change as the week progresses. The Cowboys practice Wednesday and Thursday before a Friday walk-through. The team can wait until Saturday to announce practice squad elevations.
Cook's last team was the Ravens as he signed with Baltimore before the playoffs. He spent the majority of his career with the Vikings, coached mostly by Cowboys current DC Mike Zimmer.
After two games, the Cowboys rank 25th in the NFL in rushing yards, averaging just 85.0 per game.
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Sept. 16
3:39 p.m. – The Cowboys certainly missed Jake Ferguson in Sunday's game against the Saints, especially for an offense that struggled in the red zone – failing to score a TD in three attempts.
A weapon such as Ferguson could've helped in a game like Sunday, and now the focus is to get the third-year tight end back on the field, perhaps for this week's game against the Ravens.
"I was told we had a good workout today," head coach Mike McCarthy said regarding Ferguson. "But we'll see how he comes in (this week). I'm hopeful he can play."
Ferguson suffered a knee injury late in the Browns game in Week and missed all three days of practice last week in what has been described as a bone bruise.
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3:22 p.m. – The Cowboys struggled to run the ball once again on Sunday as no player rushed for more than 30 yards. The fact that Dak Prescott's 8-yard run was the longest of the day is a telling sign the running game needs a boost.
Could that come in the form of Dalvin Cook? Head coach Mike McCarthy said all options would be on the table this week and explained how the veteran running back has done so far since arriving earlier this month.
"Looks good … understanding. The big thing for a vet is just the terminology frankly, just the language adjustment. And I think he's progressed very, very nicely since he's been here. He's a natural outside-zone runner. But yeah, he looks good. He's getting there."
Cook has been on the practice squad for the first two weeks of the season.
The seven-year veteran spent the first six seasons of his career in Minnesota, but last year he was split between the Jets and then the Ravens in the playoffs. The Cowboys face Baltimore on Sunday at 3:25 at AT&T Stadium.
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Sept. 15
4:27 p.m. - If there's one bright spot to the game - and for the first two games of the season for that matter - it's been kicker Brandon Aubrey, who continued to set records on Sunday.
With a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter, Aubrey set the NFL record for most consecutive 50-yard field goals to begin his career. He's now 13-13 on 50-yarders, surpassing Blair Walsh.
Aubrey made all four of his field-goal attempts and is now 8-of-8 this season. Don't forget his 66-yard field goal that he made in Cleveland was negated by a delay of game penalty.
The NFL record for field goals in a season is 44 by David Akers. Through just two games, Aubrey is on pace to make 68.
However, that won't necessarily be a good thing for this offense, which has scored just three touchdowns in the first two games.
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4:11 p.m. - Getting his first career start, Schoonmaker had a career-high in receptions with six, catching all six of his targets.
The 2023 second-round pick from Michigan had just 43 yards, with a long of 15 yards. His one-handed snag early in the game that resulted in a first down was probably the best play of the day.
Schoonmaker got the start in place of Jake Ferguson, who was out with a knee injury. When Ferguson comes back, he'll likely return to the starting lineup but catching all six targets from Dak will probably raise both Schoonmaker's confidence and the confidence of his quarterback to throw to him.
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4:03 p.m. - The second-quarter touchdown by Lamb, who broke two tackles and raced 65 yards to the end zone, was the second-longest of his career.
Only last year's 92-yard touchdown - the longest by any NFL player in 2023 - is a longer touchdown than Sunday's score by Lamb, who also led the team with 90 receiving yards.
The Cowboys are 9-4 in games in which Lamb goes for at least 90 yards and a touchdown.
On a historical note, Lamb moved passed Frank Clarke (5,214) for seventh place in Cowboys history for receiving yards and now has 5,296.
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3:58 p.m. - Along with being credited for a quarterback sack in the third quarter, Golston also blocked an extra point.
That's the first blocked extra point by the Cowboys since ... Golston did it back in 2021. He has two blocked kicks in his career and also caught a two-point conversion for a special teams score as well.
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10:30 a.m. - Jake Ferguson will not take the field when the Dallas Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
The Pro Bowl tight end suffered a mild MCL sprain in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns and did not participate in practice this week, listed as doubtful on the final injury report but ultimately deemed inactive just ahead of kickoff — the Cowboys opting to rest him for the time being, having elevated Princeton Fant from the practice squad.
The depth at the position will be tested as John Stephens Jr. remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, awaiting his NFL debut. Other inactives against the Saints include Andrew Booth, Buddy Johnson, Matt Waletzko, Ryan Flournoy and Trey Lance.
Lance will serve as the emergency quarterback, per usual.
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Sept. 14
1:44 p.m. - As expected, the Cowboys have elevated two players to the game-day roster, including tight end Princeton Fant.
The Cowboys also moved up linebacker Nick Vigil from the practice squad for the second straight game.
But this is the first elevation for Fant, who adds depth at tight end where Jake Ferguson is doubtful to play Sunday against the Saints and John Stephens has already been ruled out.
Fant, who spent last year on the practice squad, is an undrafted tight end from Tennessee. He wore No 48 last season and this year in preseason but switched to No. 85 when the regular season began.
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Sept. 13
3:03 p.m. - The Cowboys must prepare to play Sunday's game without tight end Jake Ferguson. He hasn't practiced all week with a knee injury and the Cowboys have officially listed him as "doubtful" on Friday's final injury report of the week.
"It looks like it's going to be a stretch for him to play," Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said on 105.3 "The Fan" on Friday. "We're taking a conservative route with him to get him healthy. The good news is, we like our tight end group. It'll be a good opportunity for Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford. We'll bring (Princeton) Fant up and we'll have a good group."
Usually, a doubtful status on Friday leads to a player being inactive on Sunday. If that's the case, the Cowboys would have some issues at tight end considering John Stephens (hamstring) was ruled out for the second straight week.
Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are the only tight ends on the roster healthy for this game. Fant is on the practice squad and fullback Hunter Luepke could get some tight end snaps as he did last week in Cleveland.
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Sept. 12
2:54 p.m. - When CeeDee Lamb first started playing football in middle school, he admitted he was a running back who loved to carry the ball. But then something happened out of his control.
"I got tall," Lamb said on Thursday with a smile. "I hit a growth spurt."
Once he got to high school, Lamb switched to receiver and of course, he's now one of the NFL's best pass-catchers. But the Cowboys aren't afraid to hand him the ball as a runner. He got three carries Sunday and 46 in his career.
"I don't complain about touching the ball at all. Whether it's a jet sweep, hand off, toss pitch, however we can get it done, we can get it done. I just want to contribute to a win, contribute to moving he ball and helping this offense be as explosive as we can."
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3:27 p.m. - Although he said this week he has no real pain in his left knee, tight end Jake Ferguson has missed the last two practices, including on Thursday as the team gets ready for the Saints.
Ferguson was listed on Thursday's injury report as "Did Not Practice" for the second straight day. Also, backup John Stephens (hamstring) didn't practice as well, meaning that Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are the only two tight ends practicing on the 53-man roster.
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3:16 p.m. - Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was upgraded on Thursday as he practiced on a limited basis.
That's an improvement from Wednesday, when he was a "DNP" on the injury report. Kneeland is dealing with a calf strain he suffered in his debut Sunday in Cleveland.
Kneeland was credited with four QB pressures in a limited role.
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Sept. 11
4:27 p.m. - Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland missed Wednesday's practice with a calf injury he sustained at the end of Sundays game in Cleveland.
Kneeland's NFL debut was an impressive one as the second-round pick had four quarterback pressures in his limited role as a backup end.
The Cowboys listed Kneeland and both tight ends Jake Ferguson (knee) and John Stephens (knee) as DNP on Wednesday’s injury report.
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1:45 p.m. – People around the league are still talking about DeMarvion Overshown's sack of Deshaun Watson in Week 1, including Micah Parsons.
"I was like, bro, you got people think you faster than me now," Parsons said. "He's so fast. He's explosive. And I told him after the game how proud of I was of him, because me and Overshown grew a relationship last year. And over this time, Ijust kept checking on him."
Now that the world knows the ability of the second-year linebacker, Parsons was not shy at delivering some expectations – and even a prediction.
"To come out there like that in the first game. His confidence is through the roof man, he just got me super excited," Parson said. "He's coming downhill with intent, with everything. He's one of the most exciting players that I've seen. That no one's ever got to see. I think he's going to be an All-Pro player."
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9: 35 a.m. — While other players around him were making their NFL debut, Eric Kendricks is no stranger to the league, but in his first game with the Cowboys, he's already joined some rare company.
Kendricks became just the third player in franchise history to have two sacks and an interception in the same game. Only Tommy Haynes (1987) and Jim Jeffcoat (1985) have accomplished that feat with the Cowboys.
Kendricks is the first linebacker to do that with the Cowboys, just another example how that position has been upgraded in the offseason.
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Sept. 10
10: 02 a.m. — Jake Ferguson exited the Cowboys' victory over the Browns with a knee injury that prevented him from returning, then undergoing an MRI on Monday that provided optimism.
The Pro Bowl tight end suffered an MCL sprain, only, and will not be moved to injured reserve. That means he'll be available as early as Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, and he'll be in the "return to work" rehab routine this week in practice, per head coach Mike McCarthy.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he "absolutely" believes there's a chance Ferguson takes the field this coming Sunday, and then spoke to the dodged bullet.
"I think so much of him for what he can add to this team this year that it would've been a blow, and we're relieved about it." said Jones.
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Sept. 10
When asked to speak on all three of the rookies who started their first game, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones quickly brought up cornerback Caelen Carson, who got the start in Week 1 in place of the injured DaRon Bland.
"I couldn't have drawn it up better for Carson," Jones said on 105.3 "The Fan" in Dallas. "He looked like he's been out there for years."
Carson, a fifth-round pick from Wake Forest, started opposite of Trevon Diggs. He nearly had a couple of interceptions but was part of a defense that held to the Browns to one first down in the first half.
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Sept. 9
The news might have been official on Sunday morning when word broke a few hours before kickoff that Dak Prescott had agreed to the biggest contract in team history.
But the actual contract became official on Monday when the Cowboys' franchise quarterback signed the dotted line back at The Star, fresh off leading the team to an impressive 33-17 win over the Browns.
Prescott signed the deal with owner/GM Jerry Jones, along with the entire family, including Stephen, Charlotte and Jerry Jr.
Prescott's contract extension is worth $240 million over four years, an average of $60 million per season, the largest annual salary of any other NFL quarterback in the league. The deal is expected to keep Prescott on the team through the 2028 season.
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3:10 p.m. - After suffering a knee injury late in the game Sunday in Cleveland, Jake Ferguson apparently has avoided a major scare after an MRI on Monday.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Ferguson will be working with the "return to play" group this week of practice, potentially allowing him to play Sunday against the Saints.
If not, the Cowboys still have three tight ends on the roster in Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford and John Stephens, who is also working back from a hamstring injury. Fullback Hunter Luepke saw some action at tight end and will be used more as well. Princeton Fant would be a possible game-day evaluation from the practice squad.
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Sept. 8
9:30 pm - "I think we've dodged a big one," said Prescott. "Obviously he's got to get some X-rays tomorrow, but just talking to him, he gave me a lot of confidence in that he'll be okay. He'll be able to respond. And whether it's nothing or whether it's a couple of weeks, I know that, yeah, I can't even think about what we had missed from that guy.
"Just his mentality, what he brings to the game I where we've grown and our connection. We'll be fine. He'll be fine."
Ferguson had three catches for 15 yards against the Browns.
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7:11 p.m. - The veteran pass-rusher tied for the team lead with two sacks, Lawrence surpassed 60 for his career and moved into 11th place in franchise history.
Lawrence entered the game with 58.5, just behind Tony Tolbert (59.0). Tank's third-quarter sack moved him past Tolbert, but then he added another in the fourth quarter with a forced fumble.
Lawrence also had three tackles for loss, five total tackles and four quarterback hits.
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6:21 p.m. - While the expectation was we'd see big returns from Turpin on kickoffs with the new rule, it was a 60-yard punt return for a TD that broke the game open in the third quarter.
Turpin has scored as a runner and receiver in his two years with the Cowboys, but the punt return score was his first on special teams.
It also marked the first punt return for a touchdown for the Cowboys since 2017 when Ryan Switzer had an 83-yarder against Washington.
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6:18 p.m. - What a debut for Kendricks, who was the only free-agent addition for the Cowboys back in March.
In his debut with the Cowboys, Kendricks not only led the team with nine tackles, but also tied for the team lead with sacks and also had one of two interceptions.
It was Kendricks' first two-sack game since 2016 when he was in Minnesota, ironically in a game against the Packers, coached by Mike McCarthy.
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Sept. 8
2:55 p.m. - John Stephens Jr. will have to wait for his NFL regular season debut. The talented young tight end is returning from a torn ACL suffered in 2023 training camp and looked exceptional in this year's outing to Oxnard, but he's missed each practice ahead of the Cleveland Browns matchup with a hamstring injury.
Stephens is the only player ruled out by the Cowboys ahead of Sunday, but he's not their only inactive player at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Ryan Flournoy will see his rookie debut delayed a bit as well, and the remainder of the inactives for Dallas includes Trey Lance (emergency QB), Buddy Johnson, Matt Waletzko, and Andrew Booth.
Flournoy performed very well in the preseason, but the depth at the position means the Cowboys opted to run long at another position in Cleveland.
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Sept. 7
1:24 p.m. - A move that was definitely expected, CeeDee Lamb has officially been placed on the 53-man roster. When he ended his holdout and signed his contract, Lamb was placed on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List, giving him time to get acclimated to football shape.
But the Cowboys never filled his roster spot, so they don't have to make a roster move.
In another move, linebacker Nick Vigil has been elevated from the practice squad for this game.
Sept. 6
3:01 p.m. - The Dallas Cowboys officially ruled second-year tight end John Stephens Jr. out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury.
After tearing his ACL in the preseason last year, he will continue to await his NFL debut. The Cowboys kept four tight ends on the roster, meaning Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker and rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford will likely be active in Cleveland.
All other players on the active roster will be available going into Sunday.
For the Browns, they will be without starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. as he works through a knee injury recovery from last season. Cleveland's starting right tackle, Jack Conklin, is also battling a knee issue and is listed as questionable.
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10:50 a.m. — There's been a lot of discussion around sports analysts' circles surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' decision to operate as a running back by committee in 2024, and rehiring Ezekiel Elliott to help lead the charge.
The former two-time NFL rushing champ is, needless to say, thrilled to be reunited with the Cowboys and spoke to that fact again on Thursday — noting he's "just happy to have the Star back on his helmet" and in how he will do whatever the team needs him to do.
On Friday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke on the coming role for Elliott.
"I have a higher picture of what Elliott can bring to the table." said Jones to 105.3 The Fan. "I think what he did in New England was a higher caliber of performance than he's given credit for. … I'm excited about having Ezekiel Elliott. I think we had a wonderful opportunity."
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September 5
3:38 p.m. - The Cowboys saw a new name added to the injury report on Thursday and for a player they are counting on to have a huge role Sunday.
Hopefully for the team's sake, a knee injury to rookie CB Caelen Carson won't limit him against the Browns this weekend.
Carson was still listed as a full participant in practice. He did speak to reporters after practice on Thursday and spoke about his excitement to play in his first NFL game.
The Cowboys are already down at cornerback with the foot injury to DaRon Bland, that will keep him out at least the first four games - and injury that is allowing Carson to start on Sunday.
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2:58 p.m. - Whether he was a rookie in 2016, a veteran in 2022, playing for the Patriots last year or now back with the Cowboys here in 2024, the mindset for Ezekiel Elliott never seems to change. And the reason is rather simple.
"I love football," Zeke said on Thursday, just three days before his official return to the Cowboys. "I love this game. So ever time I get a chance to strap it up, I'm going to go give my best."
There's been a lot of discussion on his role with the team. He's currently the starter but there could be more of a running back by-committee approach. Zeke said it doesn't really matter to him, but he did share what does matter.
"Honestly, just to be back here wearing the star on my helmet. I'm just excited for the season."
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The Browns announced their injury report on Thursday for Sunday's game with the Cowboys:
- Jedrick Wills, OT (knee) - Did Not Practice
- David Bell, WR (quad) - Limited
- Javion Conklin, OT (knee) – Limited
- Jordan Hicks, LB (calf) – Limited
- Maurice Hurst, DT (hamstring) – Limited
- Jerry Jeudy, WR (knee) – Full
- Quinton Jefferson, DT (Achilles) – Full
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB (Hand) – Full
- Dalvin Tomlinson, DT (Knee) – Limited
- Nathaniel Watson, LB (Quad) – Limited
- Alex Wright, DE (Elbow) – Full
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11:49 a.m. - While there will be plenty of eyeballs on rookie Caelen Carson starting at cornerback in place of the injured DaRon Bland, we can't forget about Trevon Diggs on the other side.
Diggs is expected to play his first game since Week 3 last year when he suffered a torn ACL. He's been somewhat limited in practice but when asked on Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy made it sound as if Diggs will be ready for a full return Sunday in Cleveland.
"He's healthy. I see him healthy and ready to go," McCarthy said in Thursday's press conference. "As I stand here today, I see him slated as a full-time player. This is Thursday, this is our first full-padded practice. I think Trevon is right on schedule as far as how much he'll play."
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September 4
3:30 p.m. - After missing all of last year with a torn ACL, tight end John Stephens made the 53-man roster this season. But his NFL debut might be in question this week in Cleveland as he appeared on the team's first injury report of the season with a hamstring injury.
Stephens was the only player on the roster that did not participate in Wednesday's practice inside Ford Center at The Star.
The Cowboys have four tight ends on the roster along with Stephens in Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford.
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1:22 p.m. - Currently, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb isn't even on the 53-man roster for the Cowboys.
Make no mistake, he will be moved from the Commissioner's Exempt List to the active roster in time to play Sunday in Cleveland. But just how much will he play after missing all of camp with a contract holdout.
"We're building up to Sunday," said head coach Mike McCarthy, who seems to be fully in regular-season mode when asked questions about game plans and player availability.
Earlier in the week, McCarthy said Lamb was on a "pitch count" in terms of his practice reps. And while he might be somewhat limited against the Browns, the idea is that he'll be ready to go.
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September 3
2:12 p.m. - Not since 2011 have the Cowboys started a pair of rookies on the offensive line. That year saw first-round pick Tyron Smith take over at right tackle although he eventually moved to the left side and had a career that will likely put him in Canton, Ohio one day.
But as Smith has signed with the Jets, it's Tyler Guyton's turn to take over as a rookie. The Cowboys' 2024 first-round pick will start at left tackle against the Browns, who feature last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett.
Guyton got a handful of reps against the Raiders' All-Pro Maxx Crosby in the Week 2 preseason game in Las Vegas, and of course got plenty of battles at training camp against the Cowboys' Pro Bowl rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
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September 2
2:21 p.m. - There wouldn't be many things the Cowboys would want to carry over from the final playoff loss to the Packers last year to this season.
The only exception might be the play of tight end Jake Ferguson, who had three TD catches in that loss to Green Bay. Most of that success came in garbage time when the game was already decided. But it's an example of what Ferguson could bring to the table in Year 3.
He was asked about the confidence Dak has in him.
"You'd have to ask him, but I think the chemistry is there," Ferguson said. "Doing all this work in the offseason. Him taking us to Oregon in the offseason. I think that was huge. Not a lot of QBs do that. I'm blessed to have a quarterback to be able to do that – not only make it about football, but make it about the guys and learn about each other off the field as well. I think when you do that I think you take that next step to becoming that really good team that's closer than all the other ones."
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1:51 p.m. - The focus on the O-line come Sunday will undoubtedly be on the two rookie draft picks, starting at center and left tackle. And if no that, then maybe on the two guards that are coming off All-Pro seasons.
But not to be overlooked is right tackle Terence Steele, who finds himself as one of the top veterans of the group.
"I'm in Year 5 now. I can't believe that but I have a ton of reps under my belt and I'm just excited," Steele said. "I'm probably more excited than I am nervous. I'm excited to be there with my team and put on a show. This O-line is going to be fun to watch."
Part of the line is the aforementioned rookies - in center Cooper Beebe and left tackle Tyler Guyton.
"Super super impressed with both of them," Steele said. "(They) came in since Day 1 willing to work, put in extra time, asking the vets all the questions they need to ask. And they're gifted physically and mentally.
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11:43 a.m. - Dalvin Cook was on the field with his teammates in preparation for the Week 1 game in Cleveland.
Sporting the No. 20, Cook is technically on the practice squad, along with Malik Davis. The Cowboys' roster of backs includes Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, along with fullback Hunter Luepke.
NFL rules allow teams to elevate two players per week to the Game-Day roster. After the game, the player reverts back to the practice squad. But he can only be elevated three times during the regular season.
Whether or not Cook plays this week is uncertain. In his career, mostly with the Vikings, he had nine career 100-yard games. Two of them have occurred in Week 1.
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11:08 a.m. - The Dallas Cowboys are taking the field for the first practice of the week on Monday morning, and the expectation is that all active players will be available in at least a limited fashion.
That calls the return from injury for safety Juanyeh Thomas (hamstring), safety Israel Mukuamu, wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) and linebacker Damone Clark (knee) among others.
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August 31
9:45 a.m. — When Caelen Carson takes the field for what will be his first ever regular season game for the Dallas Cowboys, he'll do so under a tremendous amount of pressure to replace an injured DaRon Bland.
That pressure is now ratcheted up by his jersey selection, because the rookie fifth-round pick will wear No. 21 to begin his NFL career, switching from No. 41.
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"He's shown that the moment isn't too big for him," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "He's got great instincts and ball skills. … He's done a really good job."
The number was made legendary by none other that Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, having also been donned by Ezekiel Ellliott (in his first stint) and, in 2023, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.
When Elliott returned this offseason, he opted for No. 15, his college number at Ohio State and last season with the Patriots, leaving 21 open.
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August 30
12:01 p.m. - The Cowboys placed veteran lineman Chuma Edoga on injured reserve this week.
Edoga suffered a toe injury in the Aug. 11 game against the Rams. He started that game at left tackle and had been working mostly with the first-team offense before his injury.
It was always expected that rookie Tyler Guyton would eventually take over but Edoga provides value as a swing tackle who could also play guard.
Since the Cowboys kept him on the 53-man roster on Tuesday, Edoga can return after four weeks. However, the nature of his injury will likely keep him out until the bye week (Oct. 14-20).
With Edoga out, the Cowboys will likely use either Asim Richards or Matt Waletzko as the backup tackle for the Sept. 8 opener in Cleveland, behind starters Terence Steele and Guyton.
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August 29
12:30 p.m. — Buckle up folks, because the Dallas Cowboys will be deploying their Seat Belt a lot sooner than originally expected.
Caelen Carson, affectionately known as "Seat Beal Carson", will be thrust into the limelight when the rookie takes over the starting role over the next several weeks to begin the 2024 season, due to a foot injury suffered by NFL pick-six king DaRon Bland.
The rookie fifth-round pick has had an exceptional training camp, and head coach Mike McCarthy believes he's ready for all that awaits him, effective Sept. 8 against the Browns in Cleveland.
"I'll say this: it's consistency. and not only at corner, but look at his special teams reps, too," said McCarthy. "Every time he's been given an opportunity, he's shown that the moment isn't too big for him. He's got great instincts and ball skills. … He's done a really good job."
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11:13 a.m. - With three new additions to the practice squad, here is the full list of 17 players, including Denzel Daxon, who is part of the NFL's International Pathway Program, which gives the team a roster exemption for the practice squad.
- Josh Ball, T
- Josh Butler, CB
- Dalvin Cook, RB
- Jalen Cropper, WR
- Malik Davis, RB
- Denzel Daxon, DT (IPP)
- Princeton Fant, TE
- Kemon Hall, CB
- Kelvin Harmon, WR
- Darrius Harris, LB
- Phil Hoskins, DT
- Emany Johnson, S
- Carl Lawson, DE
- Brock Mogensen, LB
- Amani Oruwariye, CB
- Dakoda Shepley, OL
- Nick Vigil, LB
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9:21 a.m. - The Cowboys are adding more depth to the cornerback position with the expected signing of veteran Amani Oruwariye.
A fifth-round pick of the Lions in 2019, Oruwariye has started 36 games with nine career interceptions, including six in the 2021 season.
He spent last year in Jacksonville but played just one game due to injury.
The Cowboys recently put DaRon Bland on IR for at least four games with a stress fracture in his foot. Trevon Diggs is coming off ACL injury last year. The Cowboys have Jourdan Lewis, Caelen Carson, Andrew Booth and Israel Mukuamu at the position on the 53-man roster.
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The Cowboys have officially signed running back Dalvin Cook to the practice squad, wearing the No. 20.
The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to work his way into playing shape to be added to the 53-man roster at some point.
Cook has ties to Mike Zimmer, his college with the Vikings. He played his first six years in Minnesota (2017-22) before spending time last season with the Jets and Ravens.
Cook has 6,207 career rushing yards and 47 touchdowns.
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The Cowboys have added another 300-pound defensive tackle to the room. This time, it's Phil Hoskins (6-5, 315), who spent the last three years with the Panthers and Cardinals.
Hoskins has just 15 career games played with one start.
He'll join the practice squad for now, but will be alongside newly-signed DT's Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips.
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