Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism about a trio of his defensive standouts being ready to take the field on Sunday in Minnesota.
The comments came Friday at his weekly press conference, after the team’s low-impact “mock game” session. But McCarthy and his staff treat Saturday as a real practice day, so no one’s playing status is yet set in stone.
Defensive end Randy Gregory missed the team’s past two practices with an unspecified illness. He was back with the defense on Friday, though, and appears on track to play against the Vikings.
“Randy’s here,” McCarthy told reporters virtually. “He’s part of the work process today. So I look for him to continue to progress.”
The other end of the defensive line is perhaps more troubling. DeMarcus Lawrence made a surprise appearance on Thursday’s practice report, also with the generic “illness” designation. He remained away from the team facility on Friday, but McCarthy did not let on to any more of a prognosis. In fact, he suggested that Lawrence would be in the Week 11 lineup as normal.
“D-Law is still not here. He has the illness. Everything’s pointing to D-Law playing as I sit here today.”
As has been the case for so many Cowboys players this season, Saturday’s practice session will be key in determining if Lawrence will play. A seasoned veteran like Lawrence having to sit out a Friday walk-through did not seem to concern McCarthy to any great extent.
“Saturday’s a practice. The walk-through segment was more today, more of a jog-through,” the coach reiterated when asked again about the two-time Pro Bowler. “He’s progressing, and I’ll know more tomorrow.”
Finally, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is set to finally return to action after a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2.
“Chido looked good,” McCarthy reported. “He looks like he’s full-go. He’s had an excellent week.”
That’s welcome news for the Dallas secondary, especially after rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs was placed on injured reserve this week with a foot fracture. Awuzie will look to contain the Vikings receiving corps, led by Adam Thielen and 2020 first-round pick Justin Jefferson.
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