Cowboys News: Slowing Samuel, reaching full strength, ratings dominance

The Cowboys getting the reinforcements ready, key matchups and “America’s Team” dominating the ratings yet again. The countdown to Sunday is on. | From @CDBurnett7

Four days before the Cowboys’ wild-card matchup with the 49ers, Dallas is welcoming back some of their biggest pieces in left tackle Tyron Smith and linebacker Micah Parsons, who added to “The Lion” lore in his press conference. Quarterback Dak Prescott earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his five-touchdown performance and he’ll look to carry the momentum into the playoffs with his team near full strength.

On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco WR Deebo Samuel poses a big challenge but Dan Quinn has a gameplan ready that could include extra playing time for physical rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph to make sure the San Francisco receiver doesn’t get loose with the football in his hands. The Cowboys dominated the TV ratings again in 2021 and it should be the sam for Sunday’s matchup that features imperative physical matchups for Dallas to extend their season into the divisional round.