Jason Garrett gives injury updates and talks tight end rotation

Learning what we can from Jason Garrett’s latest press conference as the Cowboys prep for the Jets. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).

Update status on Tyron Smith and La’el Collins

Jason Garrett said the Cowboys do not anticipate either Tyron Smith or La’el Collins practicing on Thursday. Said they are making progress in rehab and hopes they can practice tomorrow.

Leighton Vander Esch has an illness

LVE had an illness pop up on Wednesday and Jason Garrett added that this seems to have spilled over into Thursday. He’s not anticipated to practice today.

Dak Prescott’s interceptions

Coach was asked again about Prescott’s turnovers and he said you have to evaluate each play instead of general analysis. He noted the interception at the end of the New Orleans game was a jump ball. He talked about how the quarterback needs to follow his progressions and eye certain things even when you break the huddle up to the snap of the ball, then go through the progressions of the play.

Thoughts on Errol Spence Jr.

Boxer Errol Spence Jr., a huge Cowboys fan, was in a car accident and his condition is one that is of concern for many people. Jason Garrett echoed these sentiments.

Amari Cooper is an outstanding person

Cooper did what he could to take blame for interceptions last week and Jason Garrett simply stated that the Cowboys love everything about who he is.

Plan for no Vander Esch

In terms of how the Cowboys will handle LVE’s absence in practice, Jason Garrett noted that Jaylon Smith is at the center of everything but that it’s all hands on deck with everybody on the roster. Sean Lee and Joe Thomas have been practicing at multiple positions. He also added that Luke Gifford is getting better every day but that injury situations in other parts of the roster have precluded him from being active.

Rotation for Jason Witten has worked well

When Jason Witten returned from retirement there was discussion about how he wouldn’t play as much as he had been used to. Garrett said he believes it’s worked out well in terms of division of snaps. He noted that he and Blake Jarwin rotate and play different amounts of snaps in each game based on their strengths and the type of game.

Antwaun Woods and Tony Pollard status

Both players are expected to practice today and coach noted Pollard had a good practice yesterday.

Trysten Hill

Coach spoke about how they want him, and all players, to be engaged when not playing and learn while watching other veterans play. He discussed “ear hustle” which means listening in practice and taking in the coaching given to other players. He wants all players to take mental reps from play call through the play to coaching given after the play.

Michael Gallup has gotten more and more confident

One of the team’s rising stars, Michael Gallup has the confidence of Dak Prescott. Jason Garrett echoed this and noted that Gallup has grown throughout his short time with the Cowboys.