Category: Latest Washington News

Commanders-Cowboys inactives: Who’s in, who’s out for Week 12

Which players are in for the Commanders against the Cowboys? And who is out? Inactive list is here.

The Washington Commanders released their inactive list ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys and there were no surprises.

All three of Washington’s top offensive tackles are healthy and active. Kicker Austin Seibert is also back after missing the previous two games. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is once again a healthy scratch.

Here is the complete inactive list:

  • CB Emmanuel Forbes
  • CB Marshon Lattimore
  • G Chris Paul
  • QB Jeff Driskel
  • LB Dominique Hampton

Lattimore remains inactive as he recovers from a hamstring. Head coach Dan Quinn said last week he was getting closer to making his Washington debut.

The Cowboys will be without numerous starters for this game. They placed quarterback Dak Prescott on season-ending injured reserve last week. Future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, guard Tyler Smith and tight end Jake Ferguson are those out for Dallas. Cooks remains on IR, but was expected to be activated.

Here is Dallas’ complete inactive list:

  • G Zack Martin
  • G Tyler Smith
  • RB Deuce Vaughn
  • CB Trevon Diggs
  • CB Caelen Carson
  • DE Tyrus Wheat
  • TE Jake Ferguson

 

2025 NFL draft: Commanders land cornerback help in new mock draft

The Commanders land cornerback help in this new mock draft.

The Washington Commanders will pick much lower in the 2025 NFL draft than many expected two months ago. At 7-4, Washington is one of the NFL’s most positive surprises, one year after finishing 4-13.

The Commanders’ strengths and weaknesses also look much different than previously imagined. Before the season, many wondered if Washington could make it through the season with its current group of offensive tackles. While rookie Brandon Coleman has yet to prove he’s the left tackle of the future, the Commanders’ offensive tackles are not the weakness many perceived ahead of the season.

However, Washington still must address two positions in the offseason: Cornerback and wide receiver. The good news is the cornerback position looks better than it did several weeks ago, thanks to rookie Mike Sainristil’s emergence and Marshon Lattimore’s acquisition via trade.

While Lattimore has yet to make his Washington debut, he is under contract for two more years. Still, with Washington looking likely to part with Emmanuel Forbes after the season and Benjamin St-Juste being a free agent, cornerback will be high on the Commanders’ priority list.

In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Matt Miller has the Commanders using a first-round pick on a cornerback for the second time in three years. This time, it’s Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison at No. 22 overall.

The Commanders picked up veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline but should continue to remake their secondary to fit coach Dan Quinn’s schemes, especially with three of their current corners (Michael Davis, Benjamin St-Juste and Noah Igbinoghene) becoming free agents after the season. Morrison, my second-ranked CB, was sidelined for the season in mid-October because of a hip injury, but he has good size (6-foot, 196 pounds), speed and instincts playing the ball, as evidenced by nine interceptions over his first two seasons.

Morrison’s size and ability to create turnovers would make him an excellent fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt’s defense.

Washington legend Ryan Kerrigan talks helping Commanders’ pass rushers in 2024

Ryan Kerrigan discusses Washington’s success in 2024.

Ryan Kerrigan is quickly making his mark three years into his coaching career.

The Washington legend, who spent 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the burgundy and gold, retired in 2022 and immediately jumped into coaching. Former Washington coach Ron Rivera hired Kerrigan as an assistant defensive line coach.

Earlier this year, Kerrigan was one of only a few coaches that new head coach Dan Quinn retained. Quinn gave Kerrigan a new title: Assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist.

This summer, Quinn praised Kerrigan for his work with former Washington first-round pick Jamin Davis. Davis had switched from linebacker to defensive end, and Kerrigan spent extra time during and after practice working with him. While Davis was later released this season, that work left an impression on Washington’s coaching staff. 

On Thursday, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was the latest to praise Kerrigan for his work with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler, who leads the Commanders with 8.5 sacks, is on pace to break his career high of 11.5 sacks, which he set in 2019 with the Rams. 

“The past couple years, his sack numbers haven’t been as high,” Whitt said of Fowler. “He’s won, he’s beat the tackle, he just hasn’t controlled and finished on the quarterback. And I give all that credit to Ryan Kerrigan. He’s done just a heck of a job taking Dante, and once you get past the tackle, control to the quarterback and finish. That’s really what he’s worked with him for a long time and it’s showing. And then the production that Dante’s having. So, that’s all Ryan right there.”

On Friday, we finally heard from Kerrigan, who explained his work with Fowler.

Kerrigan spoke about Fowler finishing at the top of the rush and how the veteran is playing at a high level so deep into his career.

Washington’s all-time sack leader also discussed Whitt and what working for the new coach was like.

“It’s been awesome,” Kerrigan said. “His demeanor with the players is outstanding. A guy that I feel like as a player, you wanna go play for him. He’s honest.”

Finally, we get to hear what Kerrigan thinks of all of Washington’s changes and how fun things are.

“It’s been great; I mean, it’s awesome,” Kerrigan said with a smile. “We obviously got a long way and are far from where we want to be, but it’s been cool. It’s cool to see the resurgence in the fans at the stadium. Just the energy around the building has been awesome. It’s been really fun to come to work everyday and I think that permeates not just the staff but the players alike and and really just everybody in the building.”

For longtime Washington fans, it’s good to see Kerrigan as a part of a winner in the burgundy and gold.

NFL Week 12 picks: See who experts are taking in Commanders vs. Cowboys today

Who are the experts riding with in Week 12?

Only one game on the Week 12 NFL slate features a more significant favorite than the Washington Commanders (7-4) over the Dallas Cowboys (4-7).

The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are an 11-point favorite over the Carolina Panthers. Washington is a 10.5-point favorite over Dallas.

The Commanders were already double-digit favorites over the Cowboys before prominent starters, such as guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, were ruled out on Saturday afternoon.

The good news for Washington is that playing last Thursday gave the roster a mini-break after losing its second consecutive game. The Commanders have yet to arrive at their bye week. The extra rest days were good news for a banged-up roster, specifically rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels injured his ribs in a Week 7 win over Carolina, and while he didn’t miss any games, he missed some practice time and is coming off his worst NFL performance in last week’s loss at Philadelphia.

So, do the experts agree with the oddsmakers?

According to NFL Pickwatch, the experts do agree, with 98% of the picks going in favor of Washington.

This is the Commanders’ fourth NFC East game of the season. They are currently 2-1 in divisional play.

How to watch Commanders vs Cowboys today: Time, TV channel for Week 12

It’s Commanders vs. Cowboys in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season. Here’s how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.

The Washington Commanders (7-4) face their bitter rival, the Dallas Cowboys (3-7), for the first time this season on Sunday from Northwest Stadium.

Washington is coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season and looks to rebound against the struggling Cowboys.

Here’s how to watch the Commanders game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Commanders vs. Cowboys game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: FOX

Start time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Commanders vs. Cowboys will be broadcast on FOX Sports in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season. Joe Davis and Greg Olsen will call the game from the booth at Northwest Stadium, with Pam Oliver reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Commanders vs. Cowboys on livestream

Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

For FUBO:

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Commanders vs. Cowboys live on Fubo (free trial)” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&irmp=1205322&subId1=SMG&subId2=NCAAF&subId3=2024″]

Commanders vs. Cowboys predictions, picks, odds

Commanders 34, Cowboys 13: There is no reason to think Dallas should win this game. Everything is in Washington’s favor, including the Cowboys’ recent play and injury list. In 2024, the Commanders are simply the better team, with the better quarterback and coaching staff. On Sunday, Washington takes care of business to improve to 8-4. 

ODDS: Commanders by 10.5 points (-110)

O/U: 45

All NFL Odds via BetMGM.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

Commanders schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Tampa Bay (L, 37-20)
  • Sept. 15: New York Giants (W, 21-18)
  • Sept. 23: at Cincinnati (W, 38-33)
  • Sept. 29: at Arizona (W, 42-14)
  • Oct. 6:  Cleveland (W, 34-13)
  • Oct. 13: at Baltimore (L, 30-23)
  • Oct. 20: Carolina (W, 40-7)
  • Oct. 27: Chicago (W, 18-15)
  • Nov. 3: at New York Giants (W, 27-22)
  • Nov. 10: Pittsburgh (L, 28-27)
  • Nov. 14: at Philadelphia (L, 26-18)
  • Nov. 24: Dallas
  • Record: 7-4

Cowboys schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Cleveland (W, 33-17)
  • Sept. 15: New Orleans (L, 44-19)
  • Sept. 22: Baltimore (L, 28-25)
  • Sept. 26: at New York Giants (W, 20-15)
  • Oct. 6: at Pittsburgh (W, 20-17)
  • Oct. 13: Detroit (L, 47-9)
  • Oct. 20: BYE
  • Oct. 27: at San Francisco (L, 30-24)
  • Nov. 3: at Atlanta (L, 27-21)
  • Nov. 10: Philadelphia (L, 34-6)
  • Nov. 18: Houston (L, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24: at Washington
  • Record: 3-7

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Prediction and betting odds for Commanders vs. Cowboys in Week 12

Analyzing Commanders vs. Cowboys game with odds and lines, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Commanders (7-4) look to return to winning on Sunday as they host the reeling Dallas Cowboys (3-7) at Northwest Stadium.

The Commanders are coming off back-to-back one-score losses to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and need a win to remain a game and a half behind the Eagles in the NFC East.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to rebound after his worst NFL start against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Meanwhile, Cooper Rush makes his third straight start for Dallas in place of the injured Dak Prescott.

Below are the latest odds and our final score prediction for Sunday.

Commanders vs. Cowboys game odds:

All NFL Odds via BetMGM:

  • Point spread: Commanders -10.5 (-110) / Cowboys +10.5 (-110)
  • Money line: Commanders -600 / Cowboys +450
  • Over-under: 45 (O: -110 / U: -110)

Commanders vs. Cowboys injury updates:

  • Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore: Out (hamstring)
  • Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs: Out (groin, knee)
  • Cowboys G Zack Martin: Out (ankle, shoulder)
  • Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson: Out (concussion)
  • Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks: Out (knee)

Commanders vs. Cowboys prediction, pick:

Bryan Manning:

There is no reason to think Dallas should win this game. Everything is in Washington’s favor, including the Cowboys’ recent play and injury list. In 2024, the Commanders are simply the better team, with the better quarterback and coaching staff. On Sunday, Washington takes care of business to improve to 8-4. Commanders 34, Cowboys 13

Ivan Lambert:

The Cowboys have won 12 games in three consecutive seasons, while the Commanders have yet to accomplish a winning season since the 2015 and 2016 seasons led by Kirk Cousins. By the way, for the Cowboys, those three seasons were the same three seasons that their defensive coordinator was current Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.

Here we are in the 2024 season and who would have thought the Cowboys would be 3-7 and the Commanders would be 7-4?

Yet, here we are.

The Commanders have lost two straight and have everything to play for regarding earning a playoff spot. In addition, the Commanders have run the ball well this season, while the Cowboys have not defended the run well. Even more, the Cowboys will be without Dak Prescott and future Hall of Fame lineman Zach Martin.

The Cowboys are already thinking about who the new coach will be next season and how high they will be selecting in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Commanders have Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels and are out to prove they belong in the playoff race. Commanders 30, Cowboys 13

Serena Burks: I don’t want to say this is a guaranteed win for the Commanders, but if they don’t win, there’s a problem. The Cowboys are not a good football team with Dak Prescott. Without him, it’s worse. Their defense isn’t capable of taking over, especially against the likes of Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson. The Cowboys might put up a fight, but the Commanders will have no real trouble winning this divisional game. Commanders 34, Cowboys 13

Commanders vs. Cowboys channel, start time, streaming:

The Commanders vs. Cowboys game starts at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on FOX.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Are the Cowboys tanking? Dallas with several starters out vs. Commanders

The Cowboys receive some tough injury news ahead of Sunday vs. Commanders.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never gives up on a season. Despite how bleak a Dallas season looks, Jones makes the media rounds and insists everything is fine.

The current season isn’t going well for America’s Team. The Cowboys are 3-7 and have lost five in a row heading into Sunday’s NFC East battle against the upstart Washington Commanders (7-4).

Dallas has struggled all season. The defense is one of the NFL’s worst and, coincidentally enough, faces former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn on Sunday. Quinn led the Cowboys to three consecutive top-five defensive finishes before taking Washington’s head coaching position.

The Cowboys placed quarterback Dak Prescott on season-ending injured reserve last week, only two months after Prescott signed a record contract. Prescott wasn’t playing well before injuring his hamstring.

We know Prescott is out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders, but he’s not the only one. Dallas had a long injury on Friday’s final injury report.

David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reported Saturday that two of the Cowboys’ top players, guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs, did not make the trip to Washington. Martin was injured in Monday night’s loss to Houston and was listed as doubtful on the injury report.

Diggs was questionable.

Also, wide receiver Brandin Cooks was not activated from IR and will not play at Washington.

Incredibly, per Todd Archer of ESPN, Dallas will be without its five highest-paid players on Sunday at Washington in terms of 2024 salary cap numbers.

That leads to the question: Has Jones seen enough? One longtime Dallas writer even suggests that the Cowboys may be tanking.

Knowing the way Jones operates, that isn’t very likely. The Cowboys are dealing with several legitimate injuries. And, playing on a short week, Dallas isn’t willing to risk further injury to some of its best players with six weeks remaining in the season after Sunday.

When they last met: Commanders and Cowboys

The last time the Cowboys and Commanders met was Ron Rivera’s last game in Washington.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Dallas 38, Washington 10 – Week 18, January 7, 2024

Ron Rivera’s last game as Washington’s head coach illustrated so well how far his program had fallen.

In his last game, Rivera and the Commanders were thumped by the Cowboys 38-10 at the then-FedEx Field in Landover.

The Cowboys were clearly the superior team, gaining 31 first downs, while the Commanders could only generate 12.

How bad were the Commanders? Dallas had 440 total yards, while Washington could only manufacture 180.

Remember that this was a Commanders team and coaching staff that had been thoroughly embarrassed just a month earlier, on Thanksgiving Day 45-10, by the same Cowboys team that was actually eating Turkey on the sidelines and laughing at the Commanders.

In this season finale, Dak Prescott was not challenged, not being sacked, completing 31 of 36 passes for 279 yards and four touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was being sacked four times, took seven more quarterback hits, and was intercepted twice.

Washington had played the Cowboys twice in a month and lost 45-10 and 38-10. The result seriously resembled what you see when the high school varsity team plays another high school team. The disparity of talent and intensity resulted in a boring second-half blowout. This game, like the entire season, like the Ron Rivera era, couldn’t end soon enough.

Rivera’s program was in total shambles (no exaggeration), and the fan base was actually relieved when it was over, knowing the Josh Harris ownership group was going to make wholesale changes.

 

Commanders make three roster moves, including surprise release

The Commanders made three roster moves Saturday, including a surprise release.

Both the Commanders and Cowboys made some roster moves in preparation for Sunday’s game at Northwest Stadium.

Roster moves were inevitable, but it was unexpected that Chris Rodriguez would be released. The second-year running back out of Kentucky by Ron Rivera, ran well, rushing for 52 yards on 11 carries against the NY Giants three weeks ago.

Someone had to be released because the Commanders activated DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste from injured reserve, removing him from the injury report.

Thirdly, the Commanders have removed kicker Austin Seibert from the injury report, yet haven’t released backup kicker Zane Gonzalez.

Dallas waived former Washington defensive end KJ Henry and placed S Markquese Bell on IR. The Cowboys also activated T Chuma Edoga and DE Marshawn Kneeland from IR, and both are expected to play Sunday.

The Cowboys also announced WR Brandin Cooks, CB Trevon Diggs and G Zack Martin won’t be playing against the Commanders, Sunday. In addition, TE Princeton Fant and CB Kemon Hall were activated from the practice squad.

Commanders were not competitive against Cowboys under Rivera

The Commanders were not competitive with the Cowboys last season.

Ron Rivera’s Washington teams were embarrassed by the Cowboys in 2023.

Rivera’s team was so overwhelmed in that 45-10 Thanksgiving Day snoozer. A few weeks later, in D.C., the Commanders were again embarrassed by the Cowboys, 38-10.

What about the three times Rivera did beat the Cowboys, going 3-5 against Dallas?

In 2022, Rivera announced he was returning to Taylor Heinicke for the season finale at home against Dallas.

The previous week, Rivera had been so confused following the game that he revealed inadvertently he actually did not even realize the Commanders could be eliminated from the playoffs, seeing they had just lost to the Browns.

Leading up to the finale against the Cowboys, Taylor Heinicke made himself clear to Rivera that the final game was time for Rivera to play rookie Sam Howell and that Heinicke was not playing.

The Cowboys were already in the playoffs, Washington had won, and Ron Rivera apparently drove home with his wife, gushing over Howell’s performance as a starting quarterback.

Rivera quickly announced Howell would be his QB1 when the team reported to training camp later that summer.

His other two wins against the Cowboys came in the 2020 season when Dallas starter Dak Prescott was injured, and the Cowboys’ offense became anemic. Washington won both contests easily.

Rivera’s team only finished 7-9 that season, but because of injuries, the Cowboys and Eagles fell down the NFC East ladder, and Washington took the division.

Rivera then mistakenly thought the team was better than they were, so he went out in free agency and signed aging quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to lead Washington. It was as if it had not appeared to Rivera that finishing first in the division disillusioned him into thinking his team was much better. In reality, the same 7-9 team finishing third in the division would not have resulted in anyone thinking they were a contender.

Commanders fans hope Dan Quinn can deliver them from Ron Rivera’s confusing era, during which Rivera never produced a winning team.