Jason Garrett: No decision on David Irving yet, Randy Gregory is back

It’s Friday of a game week, that means head coach Jason Garrett addressed the media. Here’s what he had to say. (All Garrett answers are paraphrases of what he said and not direct quotes).

Cowboys have not made a determination on David Irving

Jason Garrett said the Cowboys still have a couple of days before they have to make a decision on David Irving. He dealt with a personal situation on Thursday, but the team is hopeful that he will practice on Friday. It’s worth noting that a report emerged on Thursday evening about Irving spending time getting in some individual training despite missing practice.

Jason Garrett did note that Irving had a good practice on Wednesday. He also noted that as of the time of his press conference that he had not seen David Irving on Friday.

Randy Gregory is back

Randy Gregory was absent on Thursday, but Jason Garrett noted that this appears to be part of the routine that Randy is on.

Terrance Williams will “do what he’s been doing”

Looks like another day of working on the side for Williams.

Caraun Reid “handled himself well” against Detroit

Jason Garrett is a big fan of Reid, noting that he was sound against the Lions. Said he was quick to pick up things and has a chance to do more.

The Cowboys will see what’s up with Maliek Collins

The Cowboys will see what he’s able to do in practice today and go from there.

The Houston run defense is disruptive

Coach noted they are good upfront on defense and are disruptive on the defensive line. Specifically mentioned how Clowney and Watt are good in the passing game, but also disrupt the run game. They are backed up by a linebacker unit that runs well and is active.

Byron Jones continues to progress as a cornerback

Garrett again noted he was an experienced player in college playing two years at safety and two at corner. He also indicated that even when he was playing safety they used him in various ways, asking him to take on specific coverage mathcups. He thinks that he developed an overall understanding of coverage by playing safety.

Chidobe Awuzie has been excellent this week

Last Sunday wasn’t the best day for Awuzie, but a lot of what happened was simply Matt Stafford and his receivers making great plays. He noted that Awuzie had good coverage in the games, but there are always specific things to work on. Jason Garrett complimented his maturity and willingness to compete, discussing how that might be more important at cornerback than any other position.

Dak Prescott has an ability to take care of the football

A discussion emerged about the ability of quarterbacks to “cut the ball loose” versus “protecting the football.” Jason Garrett was asked where Dak Prescott ranked in this realm and was quick to respond how Dak is great at taking care of the football, noting how he wasn’t overly protective or overly wild. He said that Dak has the ability to make big plays and has shown it plenty of tiems in the past.