The Dallas Cowboys have had a time of it when it comes to trying to stay healthy for 2024. The entire year has been one injury to a key player after another. So it should be no surprise that on the final day of full practice ahead of Monday night’s battle with the Houston Texans, another key member of the club appears on the injury report. Saturday saw wideout CeeDee Lamb appear for the first time this week. A back injury is the cause, though head coach Mike McCarthy attempted to downplay its significance. Dallas listed 19 players on the injury report this week, over 35% of their 53-man roster. Meanwhile the Houston Texans are giddy that WR Nico Johnson isn’t listed on their report as it looks like he will play for the first time in five weeks. Lamb is one of four players Dallas listed as questionable, while the club has ruled out three others and designated one as doubtful with just a 25% chance of seeing the field. That would be FB Hunter Luepke, dealing with a calf injury. Slot corner Jourdan Lewis doesn’t even have a slim chance of playing with his troubled neck; he’s been ruled out. Here’s a look at the full, final, injury report for both clubs for Week 11. Cowboys CB DaRon Bland, Foot | OUT Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Did Not Participate CB Caelen Carson, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Thursday: DNP | Friday, Saturday Full Participant CB Trevon Diggs, Calf | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Limited OT Chuma Edoga, Toe | QUESTIONABLE Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Limited TE Jake Ferguson, Illness | NO DESIGNATION Thursday: DNP | Friday, Saturday: Full OT Tyler Guyton, Neck/Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Limited LB Eric Kendricks, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP WR CeeDee Lamb, Back | QUESTIONABLE Saturday: Limited CB Jourdan Lewis, Neck | OUT Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP FB Hunter Luepke, Calf | | DOUBTFUL Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP OG Zack Martin, Shoulder | QUESTIONABLE Thursday: DNP | Friday, Saturday: Limited LB DeMarvion Overshown, Knee | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Full LB Micah Parsons, Ankle | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Full QB Dak Prescott, Hamstring | OUT Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP QB Cooper Rush, Neck | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Full OG Tyler Smith, Knee | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday: Limited | Saturday: Full Safey Juanyeh Thomas, Concussion | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP LB Nick Vigil, Foot | QUESTIONABLE Thursday, Friday, Saturday: DNP Safety Donovan Wilson, Hip | NO DESIGNATION Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Full Houston Texans OUT DE Will Anderson, Ankle DT Folorunsio Fatukasi, Foot OT Blake Fisher, Concussion QUESTIONABLE CB Kamari Lassiter, Concussion CB Jeff Okudah, Quad NO DESIGNATION LB Azeeze Al-Shaair, Knee WR Nico Collins, Hamstring LB Jake Hansen, Ankle QB CJ Stroud, Right Hard LT Laremy Tunsil, Knee RB Dameon Pierce, Groin CB Derek Stingley, Jr, Hip DE Dylan Horton, Shoulder
Cowboys injuries: Jourdan Lewis, DaRon Bland ruled out; CeeDee Lamb questionable
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images The Cowboys injury report for Saturday After an eventful night at AT&T Stadium that hosted an exhibition bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, the Dallas Cowboys were back at work for their final practice before their clash against the Houston Texans. Much like last night’s combatants, the Cowboys are going to have to push through the adversity and see if they can go the distance to outlast their cross-state rivals. Here’s what we know about Dallas’ injury status before Monday night’s game. Final injury report for the Dallas Cowboys for their Monday night game against the Texans. pic.twitter.com/hzDGWIShIZ — Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) November 16, 2024 In a surprise, CeeDee Lamb is listed as questionable after being listed as limited today. Hunter Luepke is doubtful. Micah Parsons, who attended last night’s festivities, was a full participant today and will play against Houston. DaRon Bland (foot) and Jourdan Lewis (neck) didn’t practice Saturday and were ruled out. Guard Zack Martin (shoulder) was limited today and is listed as questionable. Calen Carson (shoulder/illness) was fully involved today and is on track to play. DeMarvion Overshown (knee) has been removed from the injury report and carries no injury designation for Monday. Eric Kendricks and Tyler Guyton were both full participants on Saturday with respective shoulder injuries and good to go. For the Texans: The #Texans are listing Kamari Lassiter as questionable. He has a chance to play if he clears protocol. Nico Collins no designation. He’s back. Blake Fisher is down meaning Nick Broeker and Zach Thomas are active backup tackle options. Cam Erving is a practice squad option. pic.twitter.com/Eunr4iYUwz — Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) November 16, 2024 Cornerback Kamari Lassiter was listed as questionable, as was Jeff Okudah. Folorunso Fatukasi did not practice this week, and was ruled out with a foot injury. Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) has not practiced this week and has been ruled out. Tackle Blake Fisher has also been ruled out. Nico Collins (hamstring) practiced fully on Saturday and will play.
3 predicciones para el juego de los Dallas Cowboys contra los Houston Texans
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Los Dallas Cowboys juegan contra los Philadelphia Eagles el Lunes. Los Dallas Cowboys regresen otra vez para un juego y ahora en el medio de Noveiembre están buscando su primera victoria en su casa de AT&T Stadium. El lunes traen otra oportunidad con los Houston Texans. Los Texans están favoritos en la contesta pero en la NFL todo es posible. Si van a ganar los Cowboys van a necesitar trae ese energía porque en el momento no están jugando muy bien. Con todas cosas dijiendo que Dallas van a falta otra ves… que vamos a ver especifica? Aquí están mis 3 predicciones para el juego. Los Cowboys tiene mas puntos en el segundo medio Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Entrando este juego los Texans no tiene un touchdown en el segundo medio de los cuatro juegos pasado. Los Cowboys no tiene mucho puntos en la primera o segundo medios de juegos, pero el punto largo es que Houston están dejando la puerta abierto para otro equipos a ganar. Creo que estas cosas igual van a pasar y mi prediccion es que Dallas van a tener mas puntos de Houston en el segundo medio. Es posible que Houston tiene muchas puntos en la primera parte y algo que pasar en el segundo medio no es importante, pero Dallas van a ganar el segundo medio como los otros equipos hico a los Texans. Rico Dowdle corre para mas de 100 yardas Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images La semana pasada estaba importante a la posicion de running back por que Mike McCathy hablo y dijo que Rico Dowdle es el running back numero uno. Esta realidad estaba obviamente a alguien que viste los Cowboys esta temporada, pero es significan que McCarthy dijo como que dijo. Creo que Dallas van a dar Dowdle la mas numero oportunidades que tiene esta temporada y que Dowdle van a tener mas de 100 yardas corriendo resultado. Hable de este tema en el más reciente video en la canal de YouTube de Blogging The Boys. ¡Subscribir (puede aqui) al canal para ver mas videos de los Dallas Cowboys en Ingles y Español! Jonathan Mingo tiene su primera touchdown con Dallas Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images En 2018 los Cowboys intercambiado por un wide receiver en Amari Cooper y su primera juego con el equipo estaba en Monday Night Football contra un equipo de el AFC South. Esa noche estaba los Tennessee Titans. Jonathan Mingo no esta Amari Cooper y los Houston Texans no están los Tennessee Titans, pero es interesante como la coincidad se paso. Los Cowboys quieren que alguien se diga que el intercambiado para Mingo estaba muy bien y entonces van a hacer todo que se puede para Mingo a tener un touchdown. Vamos a ver uno.
Cowboys QB fined for defensive effort vs Eagles; LB-on-LB foul also flagged
Cowboys QB fined for defensive effort vs Eagles; LB-on-LB foul also flagged Todd Brock The Cowboys got blown out by the Eagles in Week 10, but two Dallas players are losing a second time, six days after the fact. Backup quarterback Trey Lance and rookie linebacker Marist Liufau were fined by the league for plays made during the team’s 34-6 defeat, it was announced Saturday. Lance’s fine came, oddly, from a defensive play the passer made after a possession change. As Philadelphia safety Reed Blankenship returned Jake Ferguson’s fumble early in the fourth quarter, Lance met him near the Cowboys sideline and forced him out of bounds. The NFL has determined that Lance improperly used his helmet to initiate the contact and fined him $22,511 for unnecessary roughness. https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1857893864490639754/ The play did not draw a flag from officials at the time but was notable to many for nearly taking out an already-injured Dak Prescott as he stood on the sideline, perhaps a little too close for the comfort of most observers. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Liufau drew a $5,749 fine, also for unnecessary roughness, on a play that was unusual in its own right. The rookie was spotted grabbing the facemask of a fellow linebacker, Philadelphia’s Ben Van Sumeren, who was on the field with the Eagles offense as a backfield blocker. That altercation took place away from the late second-down play and resulted in a penalty flag from officials, the Cowboys’ fifth of Sunday’s contest. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys fans expect 1 or 2 more wins on the season
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Most Cowboys fans are expecting somewhere around 1-2 more wins this season. There are no more ways to describe how bad the Dallas Cowboys 2024 season has been. We’ve used them all up over the last few weeks. The team has a 3-6 record fore the year, but it is not just the record that has fans down on the team. The way Jerry Jones approached the offseason started the fire. The lack of free agent signings, ignoring the running back position, and the needless dragging out of contract negotiations all left fans jaded. The Jones family had finally tested the fanbase’s limits. Then the injuries started happening, coupled with the blowouts on the field, and here we are today. We are at a juncture where basically no Cowboys fan believes the franchise is headed in the right direction. Only 2% believe they are, and it’s likely that 2% was just trolling us. Based on all that pessimism, we wanted to see how many more games the team might win this season. Winning games can makes us feel better, but they also hurt draft positioning. It’s a dilemma. With eight games left on the schedule, we asked how many overall games will Dallas win this year. The overwhelming majority, 68%, said four to five. That means the belief is the Cowboys will win once or twice more this year. Will one of those wins be Monday night versus the Houston Texans? The Cowboys are currently 7.5-point underdogs to the Texans (FanDuel). Even getting that many points, almost no one believes the Cowboys will cover.
Cowboys vs Texans: C.J. Stroud will remain aggressive despite Houston’s losing skid
Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images Monday night feels very big for the Texans. Houston Texans C.J. Stroud Sends Message Following 2-Game Losing Streak – Caleb Skinner, Sports Illustrated Despite their losing skid, Houston’s quarterback is still going to be aggressive. The Houston Texans currently own a 6-4 record but they haven’t quite taken off and become the team that many expected them to be before the season began after having one of the best offseasons in recent memory. The Texans have now lost two straight games to the Detroit Lions and New York Jets but remain two games up on the Colts in the AFC South. Houston’s offense has looked like they are playing not to lose rather than to win the game, making them look tight and pressured when that side of the ball is on the field. Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans wants to see more from his offense and that starts with Stroud being able to play loose and have fun while doing so. When talking to the media, Stroud commented on how Ryans’ words resonated with him. “For me, I try not to only make plays but try to take care of the football and do the right thing to win the game and sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it don’t. So that means a lot. I am not only a game manager, but I can also be a game changer. Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t,” Stroud exclaimed. “For me, I am going to keep the swag and kind of like what I told you all last year, Steph Curry can go 0 for whatever, but he is going to keep shooting. That’s me, I am going to keep shooting. I trust in myself and trust in the talent God gave me.” The Texans have it in them to be one of the best teams in the league but they have a multitude of things to flush out on the offensive side of the ball. Luckily for them, they will get the struggling Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football to try and buck this recent losing trend. McClain: Texans need victory over Cowboys to build momentum for stretch drive – John McClain, HoustonTexans.com A win at Dallas would help the Texans get back on track for the homestretch. Beginning Monday night, the Texans play four games in a row against teams that have losing records. The Cowboys, Titans, Jaguars and Dolphins are a combined 10-27. The Texans have a comfortable lead in the AFC South. The Colts in second place with a 4-6 record, and the Texans swept the season series, giving them a three-game advantage over Indianapolis. The Cowboys couldn’t care less about the Texans’ troubles because they have enough of their own. They have a four-game losing streak. They’re winless at home and getting outscored 38-15, including by 41-8 in their last two games. They’ve played a difficult schedule, going 1-5 against teams that currently have a winning record. The Texans are a decisive favorite on Monday night despite two glaring issues. [C.J.] Stroud has been sacked 34 times, second in the NFL to Chicago’s Caleb Williams (38). Stroud is on a pace to be sacked 58 times. He was sacked 38 times as a rookie. The Texans haven’t scored a second-half touchdown in five of their last six games, including the last four. They’ve scored only 15 points in the second half of the last four games. Never has that deficiency been more significant than Sunday night when they led the Lions 23-7 at halftime and lost 26-23. “We have a bad taste in our mouth, and we’re ready to get back to work,” Ryans said this week. It’s important for us to fix us and play clean football.” “We have the team to do it,” Stroud said. “We have the scheme. We have the players. It’s up to the players to put it on the field. We have to keep our heads up (and) get the problems fixed. I believe we’re still a great team that can do a lot of special things.” They can start by beating the Cowboys in their third consecutive prime-time game to build some steam for the stretch drive that separates the contenders from the pretenders. Texans QB C.J. Stroud staying confident amid tough stretch: ‘I can be a game changer’ – Eric Edholm, NFL.com C.J. Stroud’s play has dipped recently, but his teammates still have his back. The Texans have lost three of their past four games, and Stroud’s play has tailed off in that stretch. Over the past four games, he has completed only 53.7% of his passes — nearly 15% lower than his first six games — for 794 yards, two TDs and two INTs, currently sitting at 11th on NFL.com’s Nick Shook’s QB Index after making the top five earlier this season. One reason for Stroud’s dropoff: He’s also taken 18 sacks in the past four games, compared to 16 in his first six games this season. Another factor is that Stroud’s top target, Nico Collins, has been out of the lineup since suffering a hamstring injury against the Bills in Week 5. The good news is that Collins has returned to practice and might soon be available in games for the Texans. With a 6-4 record, the sky is not completely falling for Houston. The Texans remain in the driver’s seat for the AFC South crown. They currently sit as 95% likely to make the postseason, and a win Monday at the Dallas Cowboys would push them to 98%. Stroud said his teammates have had his back and have been letting him know just that during this tough spell. “One of the biggest things is, my teammates trust me,” Stroud said. “Me and Dalton (Schultz) talked the other day, and he has the utmost respect for me and I have the utmost respect for him, and I needed to hear that. That the team still rallies
‘Train wreck’: ESPN College Gameday crew rips Cowboys during Monday Night Football promo
‘Train wreck’: ESPN College Gameday crew rips Cowboys during Monday Night Football promo Todd Brock Saturday mornings are great. For football fans, it’s a time to sleep in a bit, turn on the TV, and then see where ESPN College GameDay is this week in what has become a ritual for millions: preview the day’s collegiate matchups, break down some Xs and Os with Nick Saban, listen to a possibly-shirtless Pat McAfee get riled up, throw in a tearjerker story from somewhere, watch some kid (probably) shank a field goal try, read some clever signs, and wait for Lee Corso to maybe put on a silly mascot head before settling in for a day’s worth of the sport we love. Even if the pro team you follow is in the middle of an unequivocal stinker of a season, Saturday morning is a safe space where you can soak in all the competitive spirit and rich pageantry of the gridiron without being reminded of how badly your Sunday squad sucks. Unless you’re a Cowboys fan. With the GameDay crew broadcasting live from Athens, Ga. in advance of the Bulldogs-Volunteers clash later in the day, ESPN also took a moment to tease their upcoming programming- namely, the Week 11 installment of Monday Night Football that will pit the 3-6 Cowboys against the Houston Texans in a primetime battle for bragging rights within the Lone Star State. And hoo boy, Kirk Herbstreit had things to say. Coming back from a commercial break, Rece Davis read his scripted voiceover of the obligatory promo… and then absolutely teed up his deskmate and Thursday-night NFL color man. https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1857796264987128122/ “Boy, things are going great in Dallas,” Davis snipped. “Just keep putting Dallas in those high-profile windows,” Herbstreit taunted, to the snickers of the other hosts. “They just keep losing games. That is a train wreck. A train wreck.” “And they keep talking,” prodded McAfee. “Great body language, if you watch them play,” Herbstreit added. “Other than that,” Davis wrapped up, “what’s your opinion on the Cowboys?” “Awful,” concluded Herbstreit. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Enjoy your Saturday, Cowboys fans. Heck, this week we even get a bonus Sunday to just be casual observers. But sadly, the train is going to just keep coming. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Position battleground (rookies): Cowboys vs. Texans breakdown for draft picks/UDFAs
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Monday night’s rookie classes are very different. Previously we broke down both team’s offense and defense for the upcoming game between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how some of each team’s rookie class stack up against each other. (Grades for each player are the overall offensive or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com) Dallas Cowboys Tyler Guyton First RoundTyler Guyton missed last week and Asim Richards stepped in. Richards didn’t do a bad job, wasn’t great either, but by comparing the two we can see how far behind Guyton is in his development based on high his high draft spot. The news is Guyton will resume his role at left tackle. Grade: 55.3 Marshawn Kneeland Second RoundOn injured reserveGrade: 54.7 Cooper Beebe Third RoundBeebe allowed his first sack in five weeks but he was more busy hoping Cooper Rush would hold onto his snap. The fumbled snap was on Rush, the replays clearly show him taking his eye off the ball. This week he has work cut out with this defensive line that is generating a lot of pressures. Grade: 60.6 Marist Liufau Third RoundLiufau came close to returning a fumble for a touchdown. Other than that, he has played 21 snaps in the last two weeks and made four tackles.Grade: 52.6 Caelen Carson Fifth RoundCarson is still figuring things out. The problem he has is that opposing offenses are targeting him a lot due to the fact he’s a weak spot, but also they are staying away from Trevon Diggs. He’s allowed 205 yards and 13 receptions off 15 targets in the last two weeks. Grade: 39.7 Ryan Flournoy Sixth RoundAgainst the Philadelphia Eagles, Flournoy was used most as an extra run blocker on offense. Other than that he was used as a key player on special teams.Grade: 78.4 (ST Grade) Brevyn Spann-Ford UDFASpann-Ford played six snaps on offense, other than that he was used primarily on special teams. This trend will likely continue.Grade: 60.5 (ST Grade) Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Houston Texans Blake Fisher Second RoundFisher is playing swing-tackle for Houston and has come in for 114 snaps this season. On 71 pass sets, Fisher has allowed ten pressures and one sack. The Notre Dame tackle was probably over-drafted here in the second round and Houston is finding that out. He was benched a number of times for the Fighting Irish, his biggest problem is oversetting or playing off his heels.Grade: 46.5 Kamari Lassiter Second RoundThe young Georgia Bulldog cornerback has played pretty well this season so far. He’s played as one of the teams starting corners and has allowed a reception rate of just 44% and a passer rating allowed of 55.2. To add to that impressive start he also has three interceptions with two coming last week against the Detroit Lions.Grade: 69.8 Calen Bullock Third RoundBullock has been the team’s starting free safety from Week 4 and has played in every game this year. He leads the team in interceptions with four and his ability to cover ground quickly and transition quickly with fluid hips has been on display.Grade: 51.5 Cade Stover Fourth RoundStover plays the TE2 role behind Dalton Schultz, so naturally he plays mostly as an extra blocker. He has made eight receptions this year for 87 yards, but his main duties are either blocking or contributing on special teams.Grade: 50.7 Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Cowboys news: DeMarvion Overshown claims Dallas runs Texas, not Houston
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys is here. DeMarvion Overshown claims Cowboys, not Texans, run the state – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated The former third-round pick put out some bulletin board material. Heading into Week 11, the 3-6 Dallas Cowboys are set to host the 6-4 Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. Houston is favored in this one, which is fair considering the records. Throw in the absence of Dak Prescott, and it’s even more understandable that the home team isn’t expected to win. That’s not the way DeMarvion Overshown sees it though. The second-year linebacker said the Cowboys are still the “big brother” and run the state of Texas. He admits Houston is playing well but knows anything can happen on the field, especially with the right mind set. Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown on Monday night’s game between the Cowboys and Houston Texans: “When it’s the battle for Texas, especially with them having the season that they’re having, a team that they’re thinking that they run the state. “Even though it’s a down year… — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 15, 2024 Cooper Rush focused on bounceback vs. Texans, not loss to Eagles – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com Rush has tunnel vision entering Week 11. The mission this week is simple in message, even if difficult in execution, as Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys do all they can to somehow avoid a fifth consecutive loss at home in five tries this season but, to do so, they’ll need Rush to regain the swagger that led him to a 5-1 record prior to being handed his second loss by the Philadelphia Eagles. This time around, the Eagles were able to hold Rush to a total of just 46 passing yards, the lowest mark of his NFL career, with no touchdowns. Needless to say, the veteran quarterback expects a better showing when the Houston Texans line up on Monday Night Football. “A couple days in a row, guys have been back at it,” Rush said. “It’s the NFL. You don’t have time to [dwell] on it too much, so we’re kind of focused on Monday night. … You flush it. You get 24 hours and you’re on to the Houston Texans.” Also suffering a neck strain when attempting to recover a fumble, Rush made it clear he’s fine physically, despite being listed on the injury report this week; and he’s been a full participant. “No, we were good to go,” he said. “A little neck thing, but we were good to go and I’m feeling great now.” 5 things to watch when the Dallas Cowboys face the Houston Texans this Monday – Joe Trahan, WFAA Parsons and Rush will have plenty of eyes on them. 1. Micah Parsons talking with his play Micah Parsons was at the center of the storm following his controversial comments about head coach Mike McCarthy following the Eagles game. On his podcast Monday, Parsons said he didn’t intentionally throw McCarthy under the bus. But Parsons was criticized roundly for making it sound as if there is an issue with McCarthy’s work ethic. Then Parsons decided to skip out on his game-week media availability. I’m waiting to see how Parsons let’s his play do the talking. We all know he is an elite game-wrecker when he’s playing his best. And if what he perceived as unfair media treatment helps him find another gear, Cowboys fans will take it. Parsons and Stroud are good friends, and the Cowboys all-pro defender would love to inflict some pain on his good buddy. 2. Rush rebound It wasn’t until a couple days after the Eagles debacle that we heard QB Cooper Rush may have suffered a mild neck strain after a first quarter fumble. It would certainly help explain the lack of velocity on his throws early in the game. Rush dismissed it as no big deal and says he’s ready to go this week. Let me be clear: I’m not making any excuses for Rush. He was awful against the Eagles. It’s still hard to fathom how he completed 13-of-23 passes for just 45 yards. I’ll be looking to see the Cowboys take at least a few deep shots to try and create some explosiveness in the offense. There was zero against the Eagles and it made McCarthy’s offense ineffective, and frankly, unwatchable. Cowboys injury report: Bland, Lewis, Luepke miss practice, Carson full participant – LP Cruz, Blogging The Boys Cowboys continue to have a lengthy injury report. A day after the Dallas Cowboys’ injury report looked as long as a shopping list, the Cowboys were back to work as they prepare to take on their in-state rivals the Houston Texans. After their second day of practice this week, things are still murky for the Cowboys. The very lengthy Dallas Cowboys injury report. pic.twitter.com/sUIMrBAHPt — Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) November 15, 2024 Not practicing Friday were DaRon Bland (foot), and Jourdan Lewis (neck). It has already been reported that Bland will not play this week, and Lewis’ absence for another day leaves the position thin heading into the weekend. However, we will have one more injury report tomorrow. Troy Aikman airs out on Cowboys ahead of ‘Monday Night Football matchup – Jack McKessy, USA Today The Hall of Famer was very candid on a few topics regarding his old team. When asked about McCarthy, Aikman said that the lack of empowerment the team gave the head coach – with the lack of an extension and without the power to make personnel decisions – could be affecting how the players see him. “I’ve never been in a locker room like that. I’ve not been on a team where the head coach has been on his last year of his contract. I’d like to think that that doesn’t affect how the players react or what they’re thinking, what motivates them to go out and play at the level that’s required,” Aikman said. “I’d like to
Reloading Weapon among 3 reasons for Cowboys to hate Week 11 matchup vs Texans
Reloading Weapon among 3 reasons for Cowboys to hate Week 11 matchup vs Texans Ben Grimaldi The Dallas Cowboys will be playing their in-state rivals in Week 11, and there are things to hate about the Houston Texans. Winning the Governor’s Cup on Monday Night Football might be the only thing Jerry Jones can brag about this year, but that can only be accomplished if his team ends their four-game losing streak. It has already been a rough season for the Cowboys, and things could turn even worse in Week 11. They’ll be the only game to watch, and football fans everywhere will be waiting to see Jones’ franchise try to avoid another embarrassing defeat. What’s worse, the game is at AT&T Stadium and the Cowboys are hoping to avoid an 0-5 start at home. The sun can’t hurt the Cowboys this week, but the Texans, who come into the contest with a 6-4 record and in first place in the AFC South, can. Here are three reasons to hate the Week 11 opponent for the Cowboys. Good C.J. Stroud Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Once upon a time, the Cowboys had a young quarterback who balled out as a rookie and was one of the best young signal callers in the league. Now, that distinction belongs to Texans QB C.J. Stroud. He might not be playing at as high a level as he did last year, but Stroud is still a top QB. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year is seventh in the NFL in passing yards and has thrown for 12 touchdowns. Those aren’t impressive numbers on their own, but when Stroud had all three of his best wide receivers, he was playing well. In the first six weeks, Stroud was averaging over 262 passing yards a contest, threw for 10 of his 12 scores, and had two 300-yard passing games. The young QBs completion percentage was at 68% during that time as well. Injuries to two of his top WRs have caused his numbers to dip, but Stroud is still capable to torching the Dallas defense. Stroud struggled last week, and he’ll be looking to bounce back, which is something the Cowboys must hate to see coming. Nico Collins returning Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports The Texans’ offense hasn’t been as efficient since their best WR went down with an injury, but that looks like it’s about to change. Top target Nico Collins is ready to come back off a hamstring injury that saw him miss the last five games, and his return is bad news for the Cowboys. Through the first five games this season, Collins was at the top of every statistical category in the NFL. The fourth-year WR is averaging a whopping 113.4 yards per game (the only WR in the league to be over 100 ypg), has 567 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in just five games. Collins is also averaging 17.7 yards a catch, good for second in the league among receivers who have at least 25 receptions. That’s the production that’s been missing from the Texans’ offense, but Collins is set return to torture a Cowboys’ defense that has struggled all year. Mike Zimmer’s unit will hate facing one of the best WRs in the league in Week 11. Secondary loaded with talent Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports The Texans have one of the best passing defenses in the NFL, giving up a meager 174.7 ypg through the air. While that ranks fourth in the league, they are also second in interceptions with 13, and their defense boasts one of the best young secondaries in the game. Houston’s secondary has four key pieces who all have three years or less of experience, and they are dominating. Safeties Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre have combined for five interceptions, while cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter have totaled four more. Those four players have combined for 32 passes defensed. While Bullock has been impressive and Lassiter is excelling as a rookie, Pitre and Stingley are among the best players in the league at their positions. Pitre is an aggressive safety who’s as effective near the line of scrimmage as he is in coverage. There aren’t many players in the league at his position who play both at a high level. Stingley is living up to the hype at CB, and was selected as a Top 10 CB this year by ESPN. The third-year corner is sticky in coverage and has yet to allow a touchdown through three years. The Cowboys’ offense led by QB Cooper Rush will be facing off against one of the best secondaries in the league, they can’t like this matchup. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.