Tag: cowboys news

Cowboys activate OT Brandon Knight, add Tyler Biadasz to IR

The Cowboys activated Brandon Knight from the IR, and sent Tyler Biadasz to the IR, and revealed the two weekly practice squad call ups.

On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys made a number of roster transactions. It’s become custom this season, as expanded practice squads and relaxed rules have allowed every NFL team to make roster changes at the last minute each week.

For Week 11, more of the same. Tackle Brandon Knight was activated from injured reserve, center Tyler Biadasz was placed on the injured reserve, and the team announced their two practice squad promotions ahead of Sunday’s matchup in Minnesota.

Knight started at tackle from Week 2 through Week 6 for Dallas. In his lone non-start in that timespan, against Cleveland, Knight entered the game at halftime for right tackle Terrance Steele and was an immediate improvement. Knight injured his knee and required surgery following the Cowboys’ Week 6 loss to Arizona.

Overall Knight has done an adequate job filling in on both the right and left sides, and while he might not be named a starter in his first week back, the majority of Cowboys pundits believe Knight’s efforts earlier this year earned him the right to close out the year as one of the two starting tackles.

Biadasz was thrust into a starting role at center as a rookie, and he proved why many people thought Dallas made an excellent pick when they selected the him in the fourth round in April. After starting Week 4 through Week 8, Biadasz injured his hamstring in the pre-game warm up just before the Cowboys took on the Steelers.

Joe Looney recently returned from the IR, and will continue to anchor the offensive line at the center position for Dallas.

The former Badger would be eligible to return in early December following the Cowboys Week 13 date with the Ravens.

This season the NFL has given each team the ability to promote two practice squad members just before that teams game each week. This week the Cowboys promoted cornerback Rashard Robinson, and center Adam Redmond to improve the interior line depth.

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Cowboys News: Roster moves, Prescott progress, How to Watch vs Vikings

The Dallas Cowboys travel to Minnesota to take on a Vikings team hitting it’s stride at the right time. The Cowboys are coming off a bye, which historically has been a great spot for Dallas, but there are a number of question marks that should make …

The Dallas Cowboys travel to Minnesota to take on a Vikings team hitting it’s stride at the right time. The Cowboys are coming off a bye, which historically has been a great spot for Dallas, but there are a number of question marks that should make this game very interesting. Will the Dallas defense continue to improve and slow down the league’s best rushing attack, can the Cowboys finally find their footing in their own ground game, and did the Cowboys make the right call at QB?

Stephen Jones was extremely positive when speaking about Dak Prescott’s first weeks of recovery. There are plenty of positive takeaways for Cowboys fans despite this disappointing year so far. Which Cowboys need to step it up in the second half of the season to remain in Dallas?

Cowboys News: Dalton returns, talk COVID, concussion, will Cook cook Dallas D?

The news and notes for the Cowboys before Week 11 against the Vikings. Read about the health of some Cowboys, a matchup preview, and more.

The Dallas Cowboys have a pivotal Week 11 matchup in Minnesota that is a must-win if they hope to keep pace in the lowly NFC East. But should they try to keep pace, or indirectly shoot for the highest draft pick possible? Learn everything you need to know about the Vikings, their key players and strategies, and how to watch or listen to the game.

Andy Dalton is just days removed from a scary situation where he recently had both COVID-19 and a concussion, and he spoke on these recent events. Chidobe Awuzie is in an informal tryout for his next contract over the back half of the season. Zack Martin should be a full go, but both Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence missed Thursday’s practice with an illness.

Thursday injury report: Martin, Elliott practice in full, Lawrence joins Gregory as DNP

The latest injury report ahead of the Cowboys and Vikings matchup in Minnesota on Sunday.

Entering Week 11, the Dallas Cowboys are somehow still very much alive in the laughing stock division of the NFL, the NFC East. This week, the Cowboys travel to Minnesota to take on the surging Vikings, in a matchup that could either propel the Cowboys closer to the front of the division, or perhaps help seal Dallas’ fate towards the top of the draft boards in April.

The Cowboys injury report was a mixed bag on Thursday, with a mixture of positive and worrisome news.

Zack Martin (calf), Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring), Andy Dalton (Concussion), and Joe Thomas (wrist) were full participants in practice. Meanwhile, Randy Gregory (illness) , Tyler Biadasz (hamstring), and DeMarcus Lawrence (illness) were all absent.

Much of these practice status’ were expected, except for Lawrence who’s first appearance on this week’s injury reports was Thursday.

Dalton is set to reclaim his spot as the team’s starting quarterback after being cleared from the concussion he suffered in Week 8 against the Washington Football Team and overcoming a bout of COVID-19.

The news of full availability was as expected for the All-Pro Martin, who was limited Wednesday for what head coach Mike McCarthy called precautionary reasons.

Biadasz started Week 5 through Week 8 for the Cowboys, and from all accounts he held his own quite well, despite his inexperience. The club could certainly use the former Badger’s presence as another quality player and depth piece on the depleted offensive line.

Elliott admitted earlier in the week that his hamstring was still “a little stiff” but noted that he would work through in it practice. Elliott’s “full” designation on Thursday answers any potential questions regarding his ability to play Sunday, and the Cowboys will once again try to feature a heavy dose of their workhorse back.

Thomas’ return may be just be depth defensively, as he’s now behind Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, and Sean Lee for playing time, but Thomas is a capable backup if needed and should return to his duty on special teams.

Gregory missed his second straight day of practice with an illness, but McCarthy mentioned that he doesn’t believe that the illness is related to Covid-19. Gregory played over 50% of defensive snaps for the Cowboys in their valiant effort against Pittsburgh, and his return has been a much needed spark of athleticism off the edge.

Lawrence’s addition to the injury report with an illness is the most troubling, as he was presumably fine earlier in the week. Lawrence has elevated his game in recent weeks and is playing like the All-Pro edge defender that Dallas paid up for.

The availability of two of Dallas’ best pass rushers will be crucial to monitor as Sunday quickly approaches.

On the other side of the field is Minnesota, who has a handful of injury questions as well.

Minnesota fullback C.J. Ham was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week. While most teams rarely use a fullback, if they even roster one, Ham is a key cog in the Vikings offense that so heavily relies on creating lanes for Dalvin Cook.

Starting offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland did not participate Thursday with an ankle issue.

CB Cameron Dantzler, TE Irv Smith Jr. and DE Hercules Mata’afa all play meaningful snaps for Minnesota and were limited on Thursday.

The Vikings should have the services of starting Center Garrett Bradbury who practiced in full, as well as DE Ifeadi Odenigbo.

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Cowboys News: Mike McCarthy speaks on Dalton, playoff chase

A look into Mike McCarthy’s words on the QB situation, the COVID-19 protocols the team has been under and Trevon Diggs’ injury.

As the Cowboys emerge from the bye week, there isn’t much news circling around the team. Surely, the primary story is that unbelievably, the Dallas Cowboys are still in the hunt for the NFC East title. As sad as that is laughable, it’s the reality of the situation. The question is, what does a coaching staff do in that situation?

Mike McCarthy is charged with getting his team to play hard every week, regardless of the stakes and the possibility of making a dent in the playoff picture. No one outside the organization believes the Cowboys are capable of making noise even if they somehow won the division, but the coach has to get the best performances out of his players. The result may simply mean more, better information on who is able to help them moving forward, but that’s still important, tangible intelligence that must be gleaned.

The dichotomy of being 2-7 bad and still having a shot came through in McCarthy’s presser on Monday. After a handful of links, we’ll turn our attention to McCarthy’s quotes.

 

Cowboys News: ICYMI 8 important things from the bye week

Did you, rightfully, take a breather from consuming all things Cowboys in this trying season? We don’t blame you. And we’re here for you. Everything you may have missed over the last week, condensed for your convenience.

The Dallas Cowboys have been on vacation, licking their wounds and formulating a game plan for how things will play out over the last seven weeks of the season. Whether they admit it to themselves or not, the team is no longer the primary focus. I say that in the sense that this iteration of the Cowboys will not attain their goal of a playoff spot. This iteration is done for, and the individuals are going to take precedent over the collective.

That isn’t the same as saying players and coaches will become selfishly motivated; though that is a concern that has to be watched for. No, but players operating within the team concept now will be concerned with how their performance impacts their future; with the team or in the league in general. Coaches have to do things to help prepare themselves for the offseason reboot, and that includes gathering information on the deepest reaches of the roster.

On Tuesday the club will start to prepare for the Minnesota Vikings, but really they are preparing themselves for the seven-game stretch in general. Older veterans need to have their playing time reduced. Free-agents-to-be need to make final pushes for new deals. Younger players need to get live-action game reps which will send them forward in their development. Coaches need to figure out where to tell the front office their weakest links lie and what needs to be fortified.  The executives need to evaluate who makes financial sense in the crazy mixed up pandemic reality of the next salary cap.

It’s all a blur.

This past week was meant for introspection and forward thinking, and that’s what we tried to focus on here at Cowboys Wire. Here’s a look at the top pieces we produced that did just that.

News: 2nd Cowboy added to COVID list; mocks, draft talk heat up

Also, evaluating the roster during the bye week break, offensive lineman meet to talk technique, and a college all-star game is canceled.

The Dallas Cowboys will once again be a hot topic in the upcoming offseason. The team has some tough decisions ahead as they try to improve their roster, while opening up cap space to extend franchise star Dak Prescott. Trading Amari Cooper would net the Cowboys a top pick and clear cap space, so should the Cowboys shop their elite wideout? Draft season has already begun for some fans, and the Cowboys will be scheduled to select early. See what plans K.D. Drummond has for the team’s draft in his latest 4-round mock.

With hope all but gone for Dallas’ postseason chances, the Cowboys should begin to play some of the younger players on their roster just to see what they have, and Jerry Jones agrees, but who will be the biggest beneficiary of this potential playing time increase? It looks like the Cowboys’ experimental signing of Aldon Smith has already paid off, and the club made it known they hope to extend the talented pass rusher.

News and Notes starts with a second Cowboys player being placed on the coronavirus watch list as the organization continues to try to safeguard against an all-out outbreak up and down the roster.

Jerry Jones implies Cowboys’ desire to extend Aldon Smith in offseason

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have the intention of re-signing DE Aldon Smith after declining a recent trade offer for the comeback player.

Aldon Smith’s resurgence has been one of the most extraordinary storylines of this NFL season. On Friday, Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones spoke to 105.3 The Fan in Dallas about the possibility of re-signing Smith after the 2020 season, and he made it clear that Dallas would love to retain the services of the 31-year old pass rusher.

“The idea here is that Aldon is getting better,” Jones declared during the radio spot. He would go on to add, “He’s a bigger man than he was when he played earlier in his career. But that has a lot of positives to it, too. But every time he’s stepping out there, he’s gaining on it, and that’s interesting to be at this stage of his career. But he’s an absolute unique-in-every-way pressure player. We want to maximize our relationship with him. We’ve all got a good one with him. Proud of him. Proud for him. Proud that he’s given himself this chance, and we’re going to help him do it. So, as I’ve said earlier, I’m a fan of his.”

Jones’s sentiment Friday was clear enough, but his actions before the trade deadline had telegraphed these thoughts. The Cowboys, who were seemingly sellers at the deadline, refused to give up Smith to the inquiring Seattle Seahawks.

Coming off a four-year layoff, Smith stepped up in a way few could have predicted and seemed immediately to return to the Pro Bowl form he showed half a decade ago.

Through the first three games of the 2020 season, Smith led the entire league in sacks with four. At that time, the former first-rounder from Missouri looked like, arguably, the best defender on the Cowboys’ roster. Smith’s production has trailed off as the year has progressed, but fatigue is to be expected for a player that hasn’t played more than 10 games in a season since 2013.

31-year old defensive ends in the NFL usually have their best days behind him, but Smith’s isn’t the ordinary 31-year old NFL player. With Smith missing all of 2016 through 2019 for well-documented off-the-field issues, that low career mileage on his legs may now allow him to prolong his resurrection in Dallas. There aren’t many defenders in the league with the physical abilities and upside of Smith, and it would be astute for Jones, McCarthy, and company to sign Smith to a multi-year deal.

The Cowboys have a crucial offseason upcoming, where they have to keep enough cap space available to sign their franchise quarterback, but also continue to augment and upgrade the rest of the roster, especially defensively.

Aldon Smith figures to be a key part of that plan.

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Cowboys News: Goodwin’s Steelers connection, team’s best QB/WR pairings

The latest edition of Cowboys news and notes, including potential top 5 draft options, rookie standouts, a free agency review, and more.

The Dallas Cowboys are entering their Week 10 bye with just a 2-7 record. There comes a time in every team’s season where they need to sit back and strategically analyze every decision they have to make from here on out. Our own K.D. Drummond did just that for Dallas, and he brings you 10 things the Cowboys should change when they return from the bye. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Dallas will be picking rather high in the 2021 NFL Draft; read who draft guru Dane Brugler thinks the Cowboys could target.

Despite the team record, there are a number of positive takeaways Cowboys fans can have from the first half of the season. Their most recent draft class is living up to the hype, with Trevon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb, Neville Gallimore, and Tyler Biadasz all looking like future building blocks for this Dallas roster. Plus, the Cowboys two best players, Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence, are playing their way into potential All-Pro seasons again.

This edition of News and Notes, though, starts with a fantastic profile piece on special teams ace C.J. Goodwin. The star of the Cowboys’ punt return trickery last week against Pittsburgh might not be in the NFL at all if it weren’t for a job shoveling cow manure… and the extra attention shown by a Steelers icon.

More PFF honors: Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence featured as midseason All-Pros

Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence made the PFF midseason All-Pro team, individual bright spots in an otherwise drab year in Dallas.

With the NFL hitting its midway point, and the Dallas Cowboys with an upcoming bye, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the positive things that have happened in an otherwise disappointing season in Dallas.

Pro Football Focus, compiled their annual midseason All-Pro and All-Rookie teams. Tyler Biadasz played his way onto the All-Rookie team, and two Cowboys, guard Zack Martin and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, have continued their impressive careers and found themselves on the other PFF All-Pro rosters.

Few things in sports are as consistent as Zack Martin’s dominance in a Dallas Cowboys uniform. Martin, likely a future Hall of Famer, was a first-team All-Pro in this midseason analysis by PFF. In the six seasons he has under his belt, the standout right guard has made the Pro Bowl every season, and was named to an All-Pro team in four of his six years.

This season has seen much of the same from the mauler out of Notre Dame, in spite of the inconsistencies surrounding the rest of the offense. With a revolving door at quarterback, and countless shuffling across the offensive line, Martin has still shined. Even when asked to play right tackle in an emergency pinch in Week 3 against Seattle, Martin not only stepped up to the plate, he showed that he’s probably the third best tackle on the Cowboys roster behind injured Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith and La’el Collins.

The perennial All-Pro guard transitioned so smoothly to tackle midgame that many Cowboys pundits, including our own K.D. Drummond, believe it is in Dallas’ best interest to move Martin to right tackle full-time for the remainder of the season.

The Dallas coaching staff has been dismissive of the idea of shifting Martin long-term. Wherever the Cowboys play their lone star lineman, he’ll continue his excellence on the way to what could be his fifth All-Pro selection (Larry Allen had six in his career).

DeMarcus Lawrence started the year a bit slow, as it was clear a knee injury was hindering his ability to compete at the level we’ve seen from him in the past. As the season progressed, his knee healed, he got more familiar with Mike Nolan’s new scheme, and the Lawrence that Cowboys fans know and love returned.

Despite not fully thriving until the last four games, Lawrence was named to PFF’s midseason All-Pro second team at the edge defender position (Khalil Mack and T.J. Watt were first-team at the spot).

Boxscore watchers may lazily point to Lawrence’s three sacks through nine games as a way to criticize the fiery defender’s performance, but sacks often  do not get close to telling the story of an edge defender’s effectiveness.

The former Boise State Bronco has been excellent against the run.  According to PFF, his 18 run stops are the most among edge defenders in the league, and the second-most of all defensive lineman (via John Owning).

As mentioned earlier, it really has been a tale of two seasons for Lawrence. Through the first four games of the year, Lawrence had just one QB pressure, one QB hurry, and zero sacks. In the following five games, Lawrence racked up ten pressures, six hurries, and three sacks. If Lawrence can continue on the tear he’s been on the last handful of weeks, he could certainly play his way onto PFF’s All-Pro first team.

The duo of Lawrence and Martin were both a part of the 2014 Cowboys draft class, Martin at 16th overall and Lawrence at 34th. The two have been cornerstones of this franchise for the last half-decade, and should continue to be for seasons to come.

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