Updates: Micah limited in practice Thursday :: The Mothership
Parsons was added to the Thursday report with a wrist issue. He said he took a shot to the ribs from Saquon Barkley in Week 17 but shrugged off the severity of that injury. “For the most part,” he said, “I’m good and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.” Mazi Smith also popped up on the report with a pelvis injury.
Money or development? Contract quirk could impact Cowboys’ Cooper Rush-Trey Lance decision :: Dallas Morning News
Cooper Rush stands to earn a $500,000 bonus if he plays in 55% of the Cowboys’ snaps this season. He’s 65 plays away, with the offense averaging 64.3 plays per game. But Trey Lance is still sitting there, hoping for an opportunity before hitting free agency. Do the Cowboys stick with the known commodity of Rush and just fork over his incentive? Or do they use the season finale as a make-or-break moment for Lance’s future with the club?
Mike McCarthy on this possibly being his final Cowboys’ home game: I’m definitely aware :: ProFootballTalk
The coach acknowledged that Sunday could be his final game with the Cowboys. “I won a Super Bowl in that home locker room at AT&T Stadium,” McCarthy said. “So, I have a very strong emotional attachment that it hits me every time I walk in there and every time I walk out. So, yeah, I’m definitely aware of it.” He maintains he’s not thinking about much beyond beating Washington, but he admitted he’s “in tune” with the obvious importance of the coming moment.
Final Mike McCarthy Replacement Rankings: Who should be Cowboys head coach in 2025? :: Cowboys Wire
The speculation and the waiting is about to kick into a whole ‘nother gear. McCarthy might be staying put in 2025, but if Jerry Jones decides to make a change, Dallas will be the biggest tent at the offseason circus. Names to watch could include anybody from Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Georgia’s Kirby Smart (pretty unlikely) to Cowboys alums Deion Sanders or Kellen Moore to hot coordinator prospects Ben Johnson, Bobby Slowik, or Brian Flores.
Cowboys front office confirms no hurry to discuss McCarthy’s future :: Jon Machota
Report: Mike McCarthy could set sight on Chicago Bears if Cowboys move on :: Blogging the Boys
Former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has been said to have interest in the Chicago head job, but some sources believe McCarthy could be eyeing a possible return to the NFC North if he and the Cowboys part ways. Of the three current openings- the Bears, Jets, and Saints- Chicago is thought to be the most opportune posting, given the current players on the roster. The presence of a young talent at quarterback in need of development could be a serious draw for McCarthy.
Commanders not planning on resting starters vs. Cowboys, going for 6th seed :: Commanders Wire
If Washington beats Dallas in the season finale, they claim the No. 6 seed in the NFC, regardless of what anybody else does. That is precisely Dan Quinn’s plan. “Yeah, we’re going to go after as hard as we can,” Quinn said. “We recognize having a six seed and going into the playoffs with that is a good thing. And so, we’re going to fight like hell to keep that.”
5 Cowboys named to 2024 Pro Bowl :: Cowboys Wire
Despite a disappointing season for the team, a handful of Cowboys will be honored for their individual efforts. Kicker Brandon Aubrey, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, edge rusher Micah Parsons, guard Tyler Smith, and return specialist KaVontae Turpin were all selected to represent the NFC as all-stars. All were Pro Bowlers last season as well.
Cowboys veteran CB Jourdan Lewis wins team’s annual ‘Good Guy Award’ :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Lewis received the team’s Good Guy Award, voted on by the Dallas chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association for his cooperation with the media over the course of the season. “It’s just to represent the team well, to make sure that the brand is protected, and make sure that my teammates are protected,’’ Lewis said. “Whenever I get a chance, when you want to talk to me win, lose or draw, I want to make sure I put my best foot forward for everybody that’s involved with this organization.’’
Inside Ezekiel Elliott’s turbulent return to the Dallas Cowboys that led to his awkward release :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Elliott’s return to Dallas never felt like it would end well. He was immediately thrust back into a starring role both on and off the field, but the 49 yards he picked up in Week 1 turned out to be his last best moment wearing a star. He struggled with fewer touches and seemed to be holding back the progress of Rico Dowdle, and he was finally benched for habitual tardiness. He visibly lost support in the locker room and finally became a non-factor in the team’s game plans. It ended with him asking to be released; he’s now free to join any squad that wants him. When fans look back at Elliott, it will be for the years he wore No. 21, not the awkward partial season in No. 15.
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott taking security seriously amid break-ins :: ESPN
Prescott says the $40,000 worth of merchandise recently stolen from his fiancée’s car shouldn’t be tied to the string of break-ins at the homes at several pro athletes, but he admits he’s taken precautions regarding his own family’s security. “I’ve always understood who I was or where I was, especially being the quarterback of this team and targeted that I am, whether it be for a natural robbery or whether it be for losing a game and whatever,” Prescott said. “I’ve understood the position that I am in. So, for me it’s more about the day and now protecting my fiancée and my daughter.”
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Two QBs are drafted in the top five; Broncos add an offensive weapon in Ashton Jeanty :: CBS Sports
With the 13th overall pick in this hypothetical draft, the Cowboys add some accountability on the back end of the defense by taking Georgia safety Malaki Starks. In doing so, they leave several popular prospects on the board, including Missouri wideout Luther Burden III and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
