The Cowboys are targeted on well being and hoping for an unlikely rally into playoff competition

With a mini-bye plus a day, the Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to get considerably wholesome, even when they know that any unlikely rally into playoff competition must occur with out star quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys (5-7) beat the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, 27-20, giving them back-to-back wins after a five-game dropping streak.

Three extra video games await in opposition to groups at the moment with dropping data, beginning with Monday night time’s go to of Cincinnati on Dec. 9. The reigning NFC East champions all of a sudden have hope that they will lengthen a three-year playoff run.

“The relaxation may be crucial a part of this system,” coach Mike McCarthy stated. “If you simply take a look at what we have been coping with, relaxation and restoration will actually assist us. The schedule is ready up for our gamers to have per week of relaxation. I would like them to exit, cost their batteries, and be prepared to go away.”

For now, the Dallas offense belongs to Cooper Rush following Prescott’s season-ending surgical procedure for a torn hamstring. Rush has gained its final two video games with out perennial All-Pro proper guard Zack Martin, who ought to have an opportunity to return from shoulder and ankle accidents.

The greatest query and concern for the Cowboys is 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb’s shoulder difficulty, which sidelined him within the second half in opposition to the Giants. Owner/basic supervisor Jerry Jones stated on his radio present Friday that the additional free time ought to give Lamb an opportunity to play.

A protection that has seemed rather more dynamic since star move rusher Micah Parsons’ return from an ankle harm might deliver again defensive finish DeMarcus Lawrence in opposition to the Bengals. Lawrence hasn’t performed since Week 4.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs, a 2021 All-Pro, missed two video games with groin and knee points. He and fellow starter DaRon Bland, a 2023 All-Pro after setting an NFL report with 5 interception returns for touchdowns, haven’t performed collectively this season. Bland missed the primary 10 video games with a foot harm.

If Dallas’ protection is anyplace close to its cleanest state of well being this season, it could be simply in time to face Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, who entered this week main the NFL’s No. 1 passing assault.

“We hope to be at capability, and I do know they are going to be, too,” Parsons stated. “I am unable to wait.”

What works

DeMarvion Overshown’s dynamic 23-yard interception return for a landing helped the Cowboys end with a plus-2 turnover margin for the second straight sport. Before that, Dallas was minus-11. In three straight 12-5 seasons beginning this 12 months, the Cowboys had been not less than plus-10 every time.

In 4 video games since Parsons’ return, the Cowboys have averaged practically eight QBs per sport. That quantity was barely increased than 5 within the 4 video games they misplaced.

New York’s Drew Lock’s six sacks matched a season excessive for Dallas for the reason that opener in opposition to Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson. Parsons has 5 1/2 sacks since his return.

“We’re a greater soccer workforce, a greater protection, when Micah is on the sphere,” McCarthy stated. “That’s indubitably. I feel he is again, we have had him on the shot rely just a little bit, and now he is full pace forward.”

What wants assist

The Cowboys have the second-worst landing share on journeys contained in the 20-yard line and needed to accept area objectives on their first two drives in opposition to the Giants, which resulted in a 7-6 deficit. They would have been 0-for-3 early within the second half had a Rush fumble not been referred to as again after a replay evaluate.

Stock up

RB Rico Dowdle had his first profession 100-yard sport with 112 yards and a landing on 22 carries. The first carry of not less than 20 yards by a Dallas working again this season was his 22-yarder within the first quarter. His 4-yard landing run gave the Cowboys a 27-10 lead late within the third quarter.

Stocks falling

Maybe Lamb’s shoulder bothers him greater than he needs to confess. In any case, he had not less than two drops, possibly three. The second was problematic, as he turned what might have been an enormous acquire right into a fourth-and-1 with Dallas main 13-7. The Giants stuffed the play with dives to get the ball again, triggering a sequence that led to a New York area purpose.

Associated Press reporting.

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