There are two trains of thought as the Dallas Cowboys head into the final three weeks of the 2019 season. The first is that the Cowboys should blow everything up, lose out, and secure a top-15 pick in next year’s draft. The other is to win 2/3 games with one of those victories against the Eagles in Week 16 and host a playoff game. Arguments can be made for both because what is apparent is that the Cowboys have two completely different outcomes to their season, each on the opposite side of the spectrum.
The next three weeks will determine everything for the Cowboys. In a season where the NFC East has been about as bad as it can be in recent years, both the Cowboys and the Eagles are scrapping towards the finish line with sub-.500 records and in doing so casts a wide range where the teams will pick in next year’s draft. The Cowboys also did a bit of roster management, promoting Mitch Hyatt to the active roster while adding a track superstar to their practice squad. In addition, teams were notified of the salary cap for 2020 and the Cowboys look to be in great shape, no matter how the 2019 season concludes.
Roster Churn: Cowboys add 4-time college track champ to WR group :: CowboysWire
The Cowboys have performed some late-season roster churning, adding Cyril Grayson to the practice squad. Grayson has elite speed, running a 4.33 forty at LSU’s pro-day. He still has yet to see any action this year having spent time with the Colts, Saints, Bears, and Texans’ practice squad.
–CM
Cedrick Wilson to IR, Cowboys promote UDFA OL to 53-man roster :: CowboysWire
The depth of the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps took a hit Tuesday as Cedrick Wilson was placed on injured reserve. Wilson suffered a knee injury in Chicago. Wilson’s roster spot was filled by promoting Mitch Hyatt to the 53-man roster. Hyatt was a four-year starter for Clemson but has yet to see any regular-season action.
As we suggested in the article, it has been confirmed the move was made to protect him from another team trying to sign him to their 53-man roster.
Another team tried to sign Mitch Hyatt off the Cowboys practice squad, a source said, promoting today’s move to move him to active roster.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) December 10, 2019
The last time Dallas made a similar move was to protect TE Blake Jarwin from the Philadelphia Eagles.
–CM
Blake Jarwin’s potential success has been hindered by the return of Jason Witten :: Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys seem to have a tight end capable of making big plays, but he can’t get on the field because the club seems to prefer better blocking and veteran leadership out of the position. Is it wise?
The return of the veteran tight end has hindered Jarwin’s opportunity to get on the field. So far this season, Witten has played 76% of the Cowboys offensive snaps and caught 53 passes for 455 yards. This season, while playing just 37% of the team’s offensive snaps, Jarwin has caught 28 passes for 311 yards, an average of 11 yards per catch. Witten has a 5.6% drop rate while Jarwin has a 2.8% drop rate, Witten has a 2.6 YAC rate, Jarwin is at 4.4.
— KD
Six NFC East playoff scenarios for the Eagles and Cowboys :: The Athletic
Given the 6-7 record of the 2019 Dallas Cowboys, it’s tumultuous to even think they still lead the division and are on the verge of hosting a playoff game. However, there is still a lot to determine over the next three weeks and The Athletic breaks down six different scenarios for the Cowboys that range from having them host a playoff game to potentially having a top-10 pick in next year’s draft.
–CM
NFL provides expected 2020 cap range, Cowboys could near $90M of space, 2 tags :: CowboysWire
NFL teams were made aware that the 2020 cap space would near approximately $197 million on Tuesday. This provides the Cowboys with a ton of flexibility as they will have almost $90 million in cap space this offseason. The team will need every penny as they sort out the long-term contracts for both Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.
–CM
Cowboys playoff picture: Eagles’ win over Giants puts pressure on Dallas :: Dallas Morning News
The Eagles mounted a furious rally against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Zach Ertz caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime to secure the win and pull the Eagles to within a game of the Cowboys in the NFC East race. All things considered, it’s looking more likely that the division will come down to the Week 16 contest between the teams.
–CM
2020 updated NFL draft order: Cowboys’ tale of 2 paths over final 3 weeks :: CowboysWire
The Cowboys will either host a playoff game this year and pick anywhere from pick No. 21-No.32 or they will not make it to January football and could potentially pick as high as No. 8 or No.9. This is by virtue of their terrible 6-7 overall record as well as the terrible play of the Eagles. One thing is for certain is that these next three weeks will determine the future for not only the current regime but future ones as well.
–CM