With a long break and an extra day off, the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to get healthier, although they understand that any unlikely playoff run will be without star quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys (5-7) defeated the New York Giants 27-20 on Thanksgiving, earning back-to-back wins after a five-game losing streak.
They now face three more teams with losing records, starting with a Monday night game against Cincinnati on Dec. 9. The defending NFC East champions are beginning to believe they can keep their three-year playoff streak alive.
“The rest might be the most important part of the schedule,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “If you just look at what we’ve been dealing with, rest and recovery will really help us. The schedule is set up for our players to be on a bye week. I do want them to get away, get their batteries charged, and be ready to go.”
Right now, the Dallas offense is in the hands of Cooper Rush, following Prescott’s season-ending surgery for a torn hamstring. Rush has led the team to victories in the last two games, despite missing perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin, who may be back from shoulder and ankle injuries.
The biggest worry for the Cowboys is 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb’s injured shoulder, which forced him to sit out the second half against the Giants. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones mentioned on his radio show Friday that the extra time off should allow Lamb to be ready to play.
The defense has become more dynamic since star pass rusher Micah Parsons returned from an ankle injury and might also get defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence back for the Bengals game. Lawrence hasn’t played since Week 4.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs, a 2021 All-Pro, has missed two games due to groin and knee problems. He and fellow starter DaRon Bland, a 2023 All-Pro after setting an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns, have never played together this season. Bland missed the first 10 games due to a foot injury.
If the Cowboys’ defense is mostly healthy, they’ll be ready to face Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, who is leading the NFL’s top passing offense.
“Hopefully we’re fully loaded, and I know they’re going to be fully loaded,” Parsons said. “I’m looking forward to that.”
