Dak Prescott shares his hope for Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys future :: Yahoo Sports
Prescott says he believes in his head coach “whole-heartedly” and thinks McCarthy “deserves a chance” to stay in Dallas beyond this season with a new contract. The quarterback admitted to “feeling almost helpless” that, because of his injury, he can’t do anything on the field to help solidify McCarthy’s future with the Cowboys, but he explained that his plan is to “control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can.”
What Jerry Jones said about ‘genuine’ Mike McCarthy, Cowboys’ 2023 playoff carryover :: Dallas Morning News
McCarthy’s seat isn’t nearly as hot now as it was just a few weeks ago. Jones praised his head coach’s “quality of character” and “quality of football character” during the recent five-game losing streak. He also suggested the team’s rough start in 2024 may have carried over from the devastating playoff loss to Green Bay… eight months prior.
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott reveals targeted return date from injury, why he’s going to bat for Mike McCarthy, more :: CBS Sports
Prescott got behind the wheel of a car on Tuesday, the first time he’s been able to drive since his hamstring surgery. It’s one step in the rehab process, one he calls “a small victory.” Next will be getting rid of the crutches, he says. His ultimate goal? “To start OTAs and start the offseason no restrictions, full go.” Prescott called 2024, which began with a playoff loss and then a months-long contract negotiation that played out publicly, “definitely one of the toughest” of his NFL career.
Why Jerry Jones remains confident in first-round picks Tyler Guyton and Mazi Smith :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The team’s two most recent first-round selections haven’t been instant superstars. But remember that Guyton had just 14 college starts at Oklahoma. Jones, for one, still sees big things in store for him: “He has the right attitude and he’s smart,” the owner said. “I’m not concerned about his future at all.” As for second-year man Smith, Jones recalled something Tom Landry once said: “Don’t ever give up on a defensive lineman, the big guys, until you’ve seen them for three years,” Jones said. “Because they can really evolve and be a different player after three years.”
Cowboys 53-man roster vs Bengals in Week 14: Three key defensive decisions to come :: Cowboys Wire
There’s a chance DeMarcus Lawrence has his 21-day practice window opened; he could see the field again as early as this week. That would mean moving Josh Butler to injured reserve; Juanyeh Thomas could go, too. Cornerback Kemon Hall has used up all his gameday elevations and would need a roster move by the club to be called up again.
Big Picture: Storylines for Cowboys-Bengals :: The Mothership
Don’t let the 4-8 record fool you; Joe Burrow is having a monster year at quarterback for Cincinnati and will provide the Dallas defense with a huge challenge. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins make up the best WR tandem in the league when healthy. Monday’s game could produce a ton of points, but keep an eye out for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The Cowboys staff will likely remind officials of his tendency to commit false starts.
Former 4th-round pick a pleasant surprise for Cowboys after free-agency signing :: Cowboys Wire
The signing of Carl Lawson came only after a season-ending injury to Sam Williams, and it didn’t make many waves when it happened. But Lawson has carved out a nice role for himself on the 2024 defense and is seeing consistent reps despite the recent return of Marshawn Kneeland. With DeMarcus Lawrence also coming back imminently, it will be interesting to see where Lawson fits in the rotation and how he does with limited chances. He could just parlay his one-year emergency deal into a longer-term gig in Dallas.
49ers Kyle Shanahan enters ‘Cowboys candidates to replace Mike McCarthy’ rankings :: Cowboys Wire
The 49ers ditching Shanahan after one poor season? There’s a portion of their fanbase that wants it. The possibility alone puts him on this watchlist of possible candidates if the Cowboys make a move at the top. Paying what Shanahan would require seems like a long shot even if he’s available. Several of his pupils (and pupils’ pupils) are already on the list, though, like Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Dolphins OC Frank Smith.
Leighton Vander Esch dad tried to strangle ex-Cowboys star’s mom … cops say :: TMZ
A troubling story involving the father of the popular former Cowboys linebacker. Darwin Vander Esch was arrested Saturday in Idaho for felony attempted strangulation of his wife Sandy. Darwin allegedly pushed Sandy to the ground during the altercation as well, and then took her phone as she attempted to call for emergency services. Darwin denied getting physical, but one police officer noted “visible red marks” on Sandy’s throat. Leighton has not commented publicly on the matter.
Jerry Jones discusses unruly history of mascot Rowdy: ‘I’ll talk to Rowdy’ :: WFAA
Most Cowboys fans have a hate-hate relationship with the team’s cartoonish mascot. Lately, the main knock is that his No. 00 jersey is prohibiting DeMarvion Overshown from wearing the No. 0 he made famous at Texas. But on Tuesday, Jones told some off-color stories about Rowdy that might just endear him to the faithful, including one about the local media finding the “Rowdy Wagon” parked outside a strip club. When the human actor then manning the costume was summoned for a lecture from Jones about the bad publicity, he solemnly pledged with a straight face, “I’ll talk to Rowdy about it.”
Austin Ekeler details memory loss, neck pain in first interview since Week 12 concussion :: The Athletic
The Washington running back offered a stark reminder about the enormous risk today’s players take on when they step onto the football field, detailing some of the frightening aftermath of the concussion he suffered in the team’s Week 12 loss to the Cowboys. “I didn’t even remember how I got off the field,” Ekeler said. “I just remember coming to — as far as remembering stuff — I had short-term memory loss. I remember my wife was sitting in the room, and I’m getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room. That’s when I started to remember things, and then all of a sudden, OK, we’re getting in the back of the ambulance to go get a CT scan. I was definitely concussed and seeing some major symptoms there.”
