The Dallas Cowboys had to shrink their week of preparation, just they like always do for the Thanksgiving game. For years, only the Cowboys and Detroit Lions had annual short weeks, but for many years now the NFL has had each team in the Thursday rotation. That fact doesn’t make it any easier for them or their Turkey Day foes, the New York Giants. Both teams are in difficult circumstances with the limited prep time, as the Giants are exceptionally injured and Dallas has a bug going through their entire defense.
After Wednesday’s final injury report was released, the Cowboys went about their normal process of roster maneuvers, elevating players from their practice squad. Dallas brought up two players. One, an offensive lineman. Teams have to carry at least eight offensive linemen in order to have 48 players on their game-day roster. It’s simply an ability to have an extra backup in that group and now it’s tackle Aviante Collins’ turn. The other elevation is more interesting.
Dallas recently signed defense end Takk McKinley. McKinley was a 2017 draft prospect the team had heavy interest in. The sides met this offseason but didn’t initially work out an agreement. But with the defensive line suffering through illness, Thursday will be his chance to debut for the Cowboys.
Circling back to Collins, there’s an outside chance of something important here. With Tyron Smith coming back soon, it appears Dallas will shift Tyler Smith to guard to keep him in the starting lineup. Could there be an unexpected move this week that puts Jason Peters in and has Collins in a true backup capacity? Here’s a look at the full 55-man roster for the game.