We enter Week 11 with the Cowboys rested and somewhat healthier than in recent times. That’s a misleading phrase, of course, because Dallas has so many season-ending injuries, being healthier is a relative term. Dak Prescott, La’el Collins or Tyron Smith aren’t walking through that door again this season, and the club did recently lose starting rookies Tyler Biadasz and Trevon Diggs for a stretch.
However, the now-starting QB Andy Dalton is recovered from his bout with COVID-19 and a concussion, the now-starting LT Brandon Knight is back as well. Also returning, CB Chidobe Awuzie after being gone since Week 2 with a serious hamstring injury. He’s joined by journeyman corner Rashard Robinson who was on PSIR and has been activated and elevated for the game against Minnesota on Sunday. DT Tyrone Crawford is back off a short stint on the COVID IR (exposure, not a positive test). In the grand scheme of things, all documented in our roster guide here, make any difference to the Cowboys dual pursuit of a playoff spot and a top draft pick in 2021?
The Cowboys simultaneously can win the NFC East title yet are still competing for a high slot thanks to their 2-7 record and the division leader sitting at 3-5-1. Recently, the team slid down to the No. 4 overall pick thanks to Washington failing to finish their comeback against the Detroit Lions in Week 10. The Football Team now has a slightly worse Strength of Schedule, which is the tiebreaker in draft pick determination.
With the two teams matching up this coming Thursday for Thanksgiving, it will be a huge matchup, especially considering WFT needs a QB, and the more QB-needy teams the Cowboys finish slotted above, the more likely they can command a bounty in a trade-down scenario.
So here’s a look at the Week 11 schedule, and which games will impact the Cowboys’ pursuit in both directions.