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The Dallas Cowboys are facing the Philadelphia Eagles this week and they have a new challenge on their hands. The Eagles have changed quarterbacks and the very mobile Jalen Hurts is now under center in place of Carson Wentz. That means the Cowboys defense is going to have to keep an eye on Hurts and his running ability.
According to Mike McCarthy earlier today, they may have to do that without a few of their starters on defense. Safety Xavier Woods, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods all missed practice today. At the press conference this morning, McCarthy didn’t sound very optimistic about any of them playing this week. Cornerback Rashard Robinson also missed practice today.
Also showing up on the injury list are a couple of offensive players. Ezekiel Elliott is still slowed by his calf injury and was limited while tight end Blake Bell is a new addition to the list and he did not practice.
There was a group of guys who showed up on the injury report but were full participants - Jaylon Smith, Chidobe Awuzie, Trevon Diggs, Michael Gallup, and Sean Lee.
Long list, but not a very surprising one for the Cowboys. Good to see that Michael Gallup was able to participate fully. pic.twitter.com/1jeZQxuCUQ
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) December 23, 2020
Per pool report, Cowboys players not practicing today: LB Leighton Vander Esch (ankle), DT Antwaun Woods (ankle), S Xavier Woods (ribs), CB Rashard Robinson (knee) and TE Blake Bell.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 23, 2020
RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf) did resistance training with athletic trainer to side.
Jalen Reagor is fine, he’ll practice, and should be good for Sunday.
Cameron Johnston is in the concussion protocol. They do have a plan in case the punter is not able to play on Sunday, and Pederson noted that Jake Elliott did a really nice job in Johnston’s place last week.
Darius Slay has been cleared out of the concussion protocol and will practice on Wednesday.
Josh Sweat has a wrist injury and is going to “miss some time,” maybe a couple of weeks, but he’ll definitely miss Sunday’s game against Dallas.