The Cowboys may now have a fourth rookie starter emerging. DeMarcus Lawrence still wreaking havoc. Prescott still the future.
Despite losses in their last two games to Pennsylvania’s Eagles and Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive effort and execution has been miles better than what fans saw earlier in the year. Rookie defensive tackle Neville Gallimore’s snaps are increasing, and so is his impact. The former Sooner was borderline dominant Sunday against the Steelers, a great sign for a team that had previously lacked an interior presence.
Unfortunately for that Dallas defense, standout rookie CB Trevon Diggs suffered a broken bone in his foot and will miss a handful of weeks. Chidobe Awuzie was activated from injured reserve; his return should help mitigate the recent loss of Diggs. The Cowboys quarterbacks were a topic of discussion early in the bye week: Jerry Jones ruled out drafting a QB with Dallas’ likely-high first-round pick and Jones doubled down on his intent to keep Dak Prescott in a Cowboys uniform. Plus, should Garrett Gilbert get another crack at the starting job, or is the team right to hand the reins back to veteran Andy Dalton?
The Cowboys news and notes, including health updates on Ezekiel Elliott, a Steelers preview, Dallas starting Garrett Gilbert, and much more.
Sunday afternoon features a matchup of two teams trending in completely different directions. The Pittsburgh Steelers are an NFL best 7-0, while the Dallas Cowboys are struggling to find any semblance of quarterback play following the loss of Dak Prescott. Get a Dallas-Pittsburgh preview, our weekly staff picks for the matchup between historic franchises, and more.
To make matters worse for Dallas, Ezekiel Elliott is a game-time decision, and he might be closer to doubtful after the Cowboys promoted backfield depth from the practice squad. Chidobe Awuzie’s return will have to wait at least another week. Punter Chris Jones was placed on the IR. There are a few positives in Dallas, including DeMarcus Lawrence, who is playing like the star he can be. Plus, how does Mike McCarthy really feel about his current circumstances in Dallas?
The Cowboys are set top work out four players at three positions.Dez Bryant is set to make his debut without a star on his helmet.
The Dallas Cowboys are about to enter their bye week in Week 10, and the team will be using that time to workout a number of new players. With Punter Chris Jones going to the IR, the Cowboys activated P Hunter Niswander to handle duties Sunday against Pittsburgh. Dallas doesn’t seem content at the position however, as they are set to workout veteran Colton Schmidt and former All-Pro Marquette King.
Schmidt and King’s last NFL stints came in 2018 with the Bills and Broncos, respectively, and both were in the XFL a season ago. Along with the two punters, the Cowboys will be working out two defenders as well; defensive end Breeland Speaks and DT Greg Gilmore.
Cowboys working out Marquette King, Greg Gilmore, Colton Schmidt, Breeland Speaks
Speaks was the No. 46 overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, but was released in the final cuts before the 2020 season. The 24-year old could be a low-risk signing with some long-term upside.
Gilmore was last on the Carolina Panthers and is listed at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds. The workout of Gilmore, and last week’s trade for DT Eli Ankou are showing Dallas is trying to get more size in the interior of their defensive line after releasing Dontari Poe prior to Week 8.
That action is for Week 10, but the team made a handful of moves for Week 9’s game as well.
In addition to elevating Niswander, the team once again is elevating defensive back Saivion Smith. Corner Chidobe Awuzie still isn’t ready to return from his hamstring injury and Smith replaced QB Andy Dalton who moved to the COVID-19 list. Temporarily elevated for the game were RB Sewo Olonilua in case Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) can’t go, and QB Cooper Rush to backup Gilbert.
– Placed P Chris Jones (Carson-Newman) on Reserve/Injured – Signed P Hunter Niswander (Northwestern) to the active roster from the practice squad – Elevated RB Sewo Olonilua (TCU) and QB Cooper Rush (Central Michigan) from the practice squad
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 7, 2020
Dez Bryant
Cowboys fans are just getting over the strange sight of Jason Witten in a Raiders uniform, and tomorrow another Dallas legend will don his second ever NFL uniform, as Dez Bryant was activated to the Baltimore Ravens active squad ahead of Sunday’s game.
News: the Ravens have elevated Dez Bryant from the practice squad to the active roster. His return to NFL action could be as soon as tomorrow.
The Dallas Cowboys made roster moves in preparation to be without Ezekiel Elliott ahead of Sunday’s contest against Pittsburgh.
The Dallas Cowboys may be without yet another key piece when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had been limited in practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury, and it appears there is a real chance Elliott may miss Sunday’s contest.
A pregame workout will determine Elliott’s official status, but the Cowboys promoted fullback Sewo Olonilua from the practice squad to the gameday roster, bolstering the team’s backfield depth incase Elliott were to miss.
Sunday is Cowboys’ final game before bye. Ezekiel Elliott tweaked hamstring last Sunday on fourth-quarter fumble return. After he did less than expected in practice week, there is some thought it may be in his and team’s best interest that he not play. pic.twitter.com/efYxmN6ZqB
According to DMN’s Michael Gehlken, the hamstring injury occurred during the Eagles game sealing fumble return late in the Cowboys Week 8 loss, and some close to the team believe it would be in the clubs long term interest to let Elliott hold the star back out until after the bye.
It’s been a forgettable season for the Cowboys and Elliott, as the former Buckeye is at a career low in yards per carry with 3.9 (this season would be his first under 4.0) and already has five fumbles in just eight games.
Third-year running back Tony Pollard would likely see the bulk of the workload in Elliott’s absence, and rookie Rico Dowdle figures to see a snap increase as well.
Dowdle has three carries on the season, all in the Arizona loss.
The Cowboys were hoping to be able to rely on the run game in the absence of Dak Prescott, and especially in the absence of Andy Dalton, but it could be tough sledding once again as the Steelers have been excellent against the run this season, allowing just 96.9 rushing yards per game, a mark that is top five in the NFL.
The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, an injury update for Ezekiel Elliott, and what you need to know about Gilbert and Rush.
The Dallas Cowboys have a tough task ahead of them as the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Dallas Sunday. The Steelers have one of the league’s best defenses, and the Cowboys are yet to name their starting quarterback. Garrett Gilbert and Cooper Rush are the potential candidates for Cowboys signal caller, get to know how each got to Dallas.
The latest Cowboys injury report includes Ezekiel Elliott, who was limited with a hamstring injury. Should Cowboy fans be worried about Elliott after the quote below from Troy Aikman? Trevon Diggs continues to impress in his first year, as he recorded his first two interceptions last week in Philly. Plus, more on Randy Gregory’s emotional journey back to the NFL, and why the Cowboys should be willing to try again in free agency next year.
DeMarcus Lawrence played maybe his best game of the year in Week 8. The DE spoke to the media about his health, the scheme, and much more.
The Dallas Cowboys may have lost their third straight game in Philadelphia last week, but there were a number of things for Cowboys fan to be positive about. The Dallas defense played their unquestioned best game of the year to date, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was a key contributor.
Lawrence talked to media this week, and the Pro-Bowl defender answered questions about these improvements, the defensive scheme, his own health, and much more.
Watching the Cowboys play earlier in the season, it was clear Lawrence wasn’t able to play at full speed because of a knee issue, but with three sacks in the last four games, Lawrence is once again showing what he’s capable of when healthy. When asked about how he felt in Philadelphia, the former Boise St. Broncos responded,
“Yeah, I feel like my knee is progressing real well, and when you’re out there on the field you’re trying to give it your all. I think people overlook it or they just don’t care. So yeah I feel like this is one of my best games I’ve had this year.”
Dallas’ defense came back to life a week ago, and Lawrence’s three tackles for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hits were a crucial part of the revival. When asked about the group’s performance, Lawrence said,
“I feel like we’re taking some big huge steps, just understanding what coach wants out of us, understanding our plays and understanding each other and being able to bond a little more with each other and get after it. I feel like it’s coming together, molding together real well and getting better each and every day.”
Dallas entered Week 8 allowing a league worst 34.7 points per game, and were tied for a league low with just three turnovers generated.
The Cowboys were able to hold Wentz and company to just 16 offensive points, as another Philly touchdown came at the hands of a Ben DiNucci fumble return late in the game. As far as turnovers, Dallas was able to generate four takeaways, more than they had created in the previous seven games combined.
The Cowboys defensive scheme has been a hot topic this season, and appears the Dallas defenders are just now getting the hang of Mike Nolan’s notoriously-complex system.
“When you get a new defense, a new scheme, everything don’t just plug in and play,” Lawrence said. “It’s not a plug in and play type of defense. You have to study it, learn some different techniques and try to be your best at it. Some defenses are not for every defensive players. I think our coaching staff understands that and are trying to put us in the best position to make plays.”
One of the bright spots for the Cowboys this season, rookie CB Trevon Diggs, recorded two interceptions in Week 8, the first two of his career. Lawrence would compliment the young corner while discussing the teams comfort level with their scheme,
“We got some young guys playing good ball and they’re making the scheme come alive. Shoutout to Diggs, he’s a young guy but he’s playing hell of a football right now. We believe in him a lot.
The scheme’s opening up a lot for us and it’s also helping me make more plays too.”
The Dallas defense had a noticeable lack of effort on the field during a handful of games this season, but that wasn’t the case in the most recent outing. Lawrence was asked how the team can keep this fighting spirit going, and the veteran had this to say,
“You know, just being able to come out with a more serious demeanor and also being able to come out and put that fight on display, it meant a lot. It meant a lot to our team, it meant a lot to where we’re at and where we’re trying to go. We’ve just got to be able to keep that intensity every Sunday and be able to bring it every day throughout our work and our study.”
Week 8 may have been just one solid afternoon but it’s a building block and a beacon of hope for a Dallas defense that had absolutely no answers for opponents in weeks 2 through 7. Lawrence believes he and his fellow defenders can turn around this unit, even if it takes a while.
“You know, just with the guys that we have on our defense makes me believe whole-heartedly that I know we can be one of the best. Coming into the season I had high hopes for that, but you really don’t know the type of situation you’re in until you’re in it. We’re in it now, so we know what type of situation we’re in and what we have to do is keep our head down and keep digging. We’ll see the light one day.”
The Cowboys know they have a long way to go, and expectations have changed wildly as the team is now on their fourth QB in as many games.
Another huge test is coming up for Lawrence and the defense, as Ben Roethlisberger and the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Dallas Sunday.
The latest injury report and IR returns for both the Cowboys and the Eagles.
Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles have battled through numerous injuries to key players so far this season, so it’s only fitting the latest health updates are set to lay a big factor in Sunday night’s showdown in Philadelphia.
As expected, the Cowboys ruled quarterback Andy Dalton out for Sunday’s game, meaning rookie Ben DiNucci will get his first start. Dallas also activated linebacker Sean Lee and offensive lineman Joe Looney from the injured reserve to the active roster, meaning Lee is set to make his season debut Sunday in Philadelphia.
– Downgraded QB Andy Dalton (TCU) from DOUBTFUL to OUT. Dalton will not be traveling with the team to Philadelphia today.
– Activated LB Sean Lee (Penn State) and C Joe Looney (Wake Forest) from Reserve/Injured-Designated for Return.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) October 31, 2020
Lee (sports hernia) returns to a linebacker group that has disappointed in 2020. Leighton Vander Esch just recently returned to the roster after missing most of the season so far with a broken collarbone, and Jaylon Smith, despite his high tackle numbers, hasn’t played up to his potential either. Lee’s best days are well behind him, but the savvy veteran should be a an important depth piece as he is still one of the most intelligent and studious players in the whole league.
Looney played both center and guard for Dallas before a knee injury landed him on the short-term IR. The Cowboys offensive line has struggled to find any continuity, and has shuffled numerous times out of necessity. Like Lee, Looney isn’t necessarily a game changer these days, but his experience, both in the NFL and in the Dallas system, should allow him to be a steady and versatile piece on an otherwise unproven offensive line (besides Zack Martin, of course).
Reports were that cornerback Chidobe Awuzie could be ready to travel to Philly, but it looks like the fourth year corner needs just a little more time to heal from his hamstring injury. DB Savion Smith was promoted from the practice squad to the game day roster.
Cowboys LB Sean Lee (sports hernia) to make season debut Sunday vs. Eagles. He and guard/center Joe Looney (knee) were activated today from injured reserve.
CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring, IR) not ready as hoped, so versatile DB Saivion Smith elevated from practice squad.
While Dallas still has a number of contributors on the IR, almost all of the active roster was able to practice in full this week.
Quarterback Andy Dalton did not participate in a single pracrice, or clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, and he is out for Sunday’s game. In his place, seventh-round rookie QB Ben DiNucci is set to make his first career start, and there is some reason to be intrigued by DiNucci as a Cowboy fan.
Zack Martin missed late week’s loss to Washington with a concussion, but the perennial All-Pro guard was able to practice in full multiple times this week, and is good to go for the big divisional matchup.
Safety Xavier Woods missed Wednesday’s practice for non-injury related reasons, but was another full participant at practice the following days, and his status is not in question.
Punter Chris Jones was a late addition to the injury report, as an abdomen issue limited him in Friday’s practice. The Cowboys didn’t list Jones with a questionable or game-time decision label, meaning he too should play barring any surprises.
Chris Jones downgraded to limited on today’s practice report.
Very interesting timing, since they just signed Hunter Niswander to the practice squad on Monday. I guess we’ll see this weekend whether they need to move him up to the active roster. pic.twitter.com/A6JKxEB3oV
Eagles fans will be thrilled to learn who they have returning from the IR just in time to face the Cowboys.
Three crucial components of the Philadelphia offense, tackle Jason Peters, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, and tight end Dallas Goedert are all set to return to the active roster this week. The team noted that linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Rudy Ford are being activated from the IR as well.
Linebacker Nathan Gerry and defensive lineman Genard Avery were both moved onto the Philadelphia injured reserve.
Roster Moves: #Eagles have activated the following players to the 53-man roster: LB T.J. Edwards, TE Dallas Goedert, S Rudy Ford, T Jason Peters, and WR Jalen Reagor.
As far as the rest of the Eagles squad, there are a handful of impactful injury designations.
T Jack Driscoll, CB Craig James, WR Alshon Jeffrey, CB Cre’von Leblanc, and RB Miles Sanders are all officially out for Week 8.
T Lane Johnson, DE Vinny Curry, DT Malik Jackson, and S K’von Wallace were all listed on the injury report, but all were able to practice in full, and should be suiting up on Sunday.
The Dallas Cowboys will soon have the services of two key defenders, Sean Lee and Chidobe Awuzie
The Dallas Cowboys 2020 season has felt like a bad dream through six games, and a large part of that has been Dallas’ inability to stay healthy. Injuries to key contributors have crippled the defense, and left the offensive line unrecognizable.
Dallas received some positive health updates Thursday, however. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and linebacker Sean Lee were officially designated to return to practice from the injured reserve.
The #Cowboys designated Chidobe Awuzie and Sean Lee to return to practice from IR. Still unclear when they’ll return to game action.
This designation marks the start of a 21-day period in which Awuzie and Lee can practice, and they can be activated onto the 53-man roster at any point in that three week period.
Awuzie (hamstring) was injured in the Cowboys Week 2 win against Atlanta, and hasn’t seen the field since. Awuzie has been a steady performing member of the Cowboys secondary since being drafted by Dallas in 2017, and his return would certainly help a hurting Cowboys defensive backfield.
Daryl Worley had been the main beneficiary of the available snaps cause by the Awuzie injury these last few weeks, but Worley did little with his opportunity and was benched last week versus the Cardinals. Awuzie, when fully activated from the IR, will likely return to his normal snap counts in Dallas’ scheme that often plays five defensive backs at once.
A Sean Lee injury update has, unfortunately, become commonplace for the Dallas Cowboys. Lee has rarely managed to stay healthy for a full season, and 2020 has been no exception. Lee (core muscle surgery) began the year on the IR and has yet to see action this season.
Just last week the Cowboys got the services of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch back from his broken collarbone, but the return of Lee should be appreciated as well. Lee, while on the field, is one of the most intelligent defenders in the league, and could potentially help the Cowboys with their well-known scheme confusion so far in 2020.
As of now, it’s unclear if either player will be available Sunday afternoon against Washington, but according to CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker, Lee’s return is looking later than Awuzie’s.
The eventual return of two starting-caliber defensive players is a welcomed sight for a Dallas defense that has yet to find its footing in 2020.
The latest injury reports ahead of Monday’s game between Dallas and Arizona, including the status of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch
The Dallas Cowboys 2020 season has been scarred by injuries, and it culminated in Week 5 when franchise quarterback Dak Prescott was lost for the season. While a number of other key contributors have been placed on the injured reserve for the remainder of the year, Dallas current active roster is as healthy as it can be entering Monday’s showdown with the Arizona Cardinals.
All Cowboys were able to practice in full on Saturday, including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who is still technically on the short-term IR but is slated to return in time for Monday night. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are experiencing their own OL issues.
Vander Esch had missed the previous four weeks after suffering a broken collarbone in Dallas’ Week 1 loss to the Rams, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had some promising things to say about the third-year linebacker, according ESPN’s Todd Archer.
“I’m definitely encouraged.” the McCarthy said, regarding Vander Esch’s progress towards being able to play. McCarthy would go on to add, “Everything points forward… All the arrows are pointing up.”
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported Vander Esch is expected to be “eased back into action,” and will likely see more snaps in passing situations than base personnel.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is slated to return Monday vs. Cardinals. His first action since fracturing collarbone on Sept. 13 in first quarter of first game. LVE likely to be eased into action, source said. Could work mostly in passing situations, non-base personnel.
Vander Esch is arguably Dallas’ best defender, and his ability to remain on the field will be imperative if the Cowboys league-worst defense has any hopes of turning things around this season.
A handful of other important Dallas defenders were full participants in practice, including DeMarcus Lawrence (knee), Trevon Diggs (knee), Tyrone Crawford (ankle), Dorance Armstrong (knee), and Everson Griffen, who missed Wednesday’s practice for something non-injury related.
Tight end Blake Bell (knee) was the lone offensive player listed on the Cowboys’ injury report, but he was a full practice participant as well.
The Cowboys opponents, the Cardinals, are set to be without a few key players.
Starting guard J.R. Sweezy has been ruled out, along with DL Rashard Lawrence and LB Kylie Fitts. Devon Kennard, one of Arizona’s top pass-rushers, is a game time decision but head coach Kliff Kingsbury is hopeful Kennard can suit up. Safety Jalen Thompson is currently on the IR but is another game time decision.
Cardinals’ starting left tackle D.J. Humphries was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday with a back injury, and he is considered questionable for Monday.
Kliff Kingsbury said J.R. Sweezy will miss Monday's game so Justin Murray will start at RG. LB Kylie Fitts, DL Rashard Lawrence also out. Kingsbury is hopeful LB Devon Kennard will play. S Jalen Thompson, still on IR, will test ankle pregame. Still a chance he could play.
Cardinals starting left tackle D.J. Humphries hadn't appeared on the injury report all week, but he showed up on it Saturday with a back injury and is listed as questionable for Monday night's game at the Cowboys. The primary backup at left tackle is rookie Josh Jones.
For more discussion on Vander Esch’s importance to the Dallas defense, a Cardinals preview, and everything else Cowboys, check out the latest mini- edition of the Catch This Fade podcast with our own K.D. Drummond and CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker.
Ezekiel Elliott is playing without Dak Prescott for the first time in his NFL career. Here Elliott’s thoughts on Dak, Andy Dalton, and more.
Few people have taken the devastating Dak Prescott injury as grimly as his best friend and teammate, Ezekiel Elliott. Since they were drafted in 2016, Prescott and Elliott have been inseparable off the field, and one of the NFL’s most dynamic duo’s on the field.
Following Prescott’s devastating injury last Sunday against the Giants, Elliott spoke to the media this week about what it’s like practicing without their leader, and what his expectations are for the offense now led by veteran Andy Dalton.
Elliott touched on the importance of keeping in contact with Prescott through these tough times, saying,
“Right now we’re dealing with COVID, and were already isolated as it is. For him [Prescott] to have that horrific injury, and for him to be out of his normal routine, unable to leave the house and come see us, and now he cant really even move around with the ankle. I just think it’s important that we all surround him, show him plenty of love, and I think it’s important that we continue to involve him.”
Cowboys Nation has done just that, surrounded Prescott and let him know the love they have for their franchise quarterback. Prescott seems to be handling his own circumstances better than the majority of Cowboys fans, as he released a video thanking his supports for the well wishes.
Elliott has already been to see his friend every day since the injury, and reassured to everyone that Prescott is handling this well.
“I’ve been going by and seeing him everyday. I’m going to go by and see him as much as I can, if that’s everyday, then I’ll go over there everyday. He seems like he’s in very good spirits, a little bit of pain, a little loopy, but he’s definitely in good spirits.”
The team has been able to remain focused on the goal, beating the Arizona Cardinals Monday night. Prescott touched on the practice week so far, stating,
“It’s been good. Just locking in, focusing in, and getting ready for these Cardinals. I know for him [Prescott] it’s going to be hard watching that game from home, and I think the best way to make him feel better is by winning, so we have to go out there and win for him.”
Usually when a team loses a quarterback the caliber of Prescott the season, at least offensively, is sunk. The Cowboys, however, made former Bengals’ quarterback, Andy Dalton, a priority in the offseason, and it appears the investment was worth while for Dallas.
Dalton took over the reigns halfway through the third quarter last Sunday vs New York, and helped Dallas cap off a touchdown drive. Late in the game Dalton would lead Dallas down the field for the game winning field goal, thanks in part to Michael Gallup who made two spectacular catches.
“Dak definitely is special. He definitely is special, but I think we have a lot of pieces in this offense and Andy’s played at a high level in this league. I think we should still be one of the best offenses in the league.”
Elliott’s praise for Dalton would continue,
“Andy’s a great guy. He’s a veteran. He knows a lot about this game. He’s played a lot of snaps, thrown for a lot of yards, he’s scored a lot of touchdowns. He’s confident in there, and I think he’s going to do good for us.”
“We just have to go out there and be ourselves. We have plenty of talent on this team, and Andy is plenty talented himself. Like I said, he’s been a started in this league, he could be a starter on other teams. So I don’t think anyone has to press, I don’t think anyone has to do anything out of the ordinary. I think we just have to be ourselves, go out there and have fun, and play our football.”
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Many analysts believe this insertion of Dalton into the Cowboys lineup will lead the Cowboys to a more ground-based attack, like we saw early in Elliott’s career. The All-Pro back made it clear how the team wants to play moving forward as he stated,
“I think we want to be balanced anyway. We’ve been more pass heavy this year just because we have gotten behind in a lot of games so we have had to throw the ball that much, but I think we want to be a balanced team.”
Elliott and company look to win back-to back-games for the first time all season when Arizona comes to Dallas for a Monday night showdown. An injury like Prescott’s can sometimes rally a team, and cause everyone in the building to step their game up a notch.
It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys offense adjusts to a new signal caller, but it’s clear that the Cowboys believe they can still win any game with Andy Dalton under center.
The full interview with Ezekiel Elliott can be found below.
