Two stories on Tuesday put perhaps four of the most polarizing Cowboys figures squarely in the spotlight. First, Dak Prescott makes it clear what he believes should happen with head coach Mike McCarthy after this disappointing season. The injured quarterback reveals what he plans to do about it, even if only from the sidelines. Later, Jerry Jones tries to lighten the burden on the much-maligned hooligan and perhaps make him a little more likeable to fans by telling a few unusual stories from the mascot's past.
Elsewhere, Prescott lays out the timeline for his recovery from the hamstring injury that ended his season, we take a look at the 53-man roster as it currently stands heading into Week 13's game against Cincinnati, and we examine the standout The Cowboys' return on investment is affected by an unlikely emergency free agent deal. We delve into the stats that point to a high-scoring explosion for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, we get a sobering reality check from a current opponent about the physical toll the game takes, and we learn that the family of a former Fan favorite dies due to some troubling legal issues.
Prescott says he believes in his head coach “with all of his heart” and believes McCarthy “deserves a chance” to stay in Dallas beyond this season with a new contract. The quarterback admitted that he “feels almost helpless” because his on-field injury means he can't do anything to solidify McCarthy's future with the Cowboys, but explained that his plan is to “control what “I can control to help.” and support Mike as best as I can.”
McCarthy's seat isn't nearly as hot now as it was a few weeks ago. Jones praised his head coach's “quality of character” and “quality of football” during the recent five-game losing streak. He also suggested that the team's difficult start in 2024 may have been due to the devastating playoff loss to Green Bay…eight months earlier.
Prescott got behind the wheel of a car Tuesday, the first time he's been able to drive since undergoing hamstring surgery. It's a step in the rehab process that he calls “a small victory.” The next step will be to get rid of the crutches, he says. His ultimate goal? “To start OTAs and start the offseason, there are no restrictions, full force.” Prescott called 2024, which began with a playoff loss and then months of contract negotiations played out in public, “definitely one of the toughest” of his NFL career.
The team's two most recent first-round picks weren't instant superstars. But remember, Guyton only had 14 collegiate starts at Oklahoma. Jones, on the other hand, sees great things ahead of him: “He has the right attitude and is smart,” said the owner. “I'm not worried about his future at all.” As for the second-year Smith, Jones recalled something Tom Landry once said: “Never give up on a defensive lineman, the big ones, until you've had them for three years have seen,” Jones said. “Because they can really develop and be a different player after three years.”
There's a chance DeMarcus Lawrence opens his 21-day practice window; He was able to see the field again this week. That would mean Josh Butler being placed on injured reserve; Juanyeh Thomas could also go. Cornerback Kemon Hall has used up all of his game-day raises and would need a roster move from the club to be called up again.
Don't let the 4-8 record fool you; Joe Burrow is coming off a monster year at quarterback for Cincinnati and will pose a tough challenge for Dallas' defense. When healthy, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins form the best WR tandem in the league. Monday's game could produce a lot of points, but watch out for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The Cowboys' staff will likely remind officials of his tendency to make false starts.
The signing of Carl Lawson only came after a season-ending injury to Sam Williams, and when it happened it didn't cause much of a stir. But Lawson has carved out a solid role for himself in the 2024 defense, recording consistent reps despite the recent return of Marshawn Kneeland. With DeMarcus Lawrence also returning soon, it will be interesting to see where Lawson fits in the rotation and how he copes with limited opportunities. He could simply convert his one-year emergency contract into a longer-term gig in Dallas.
Will the 49ers dump Shanahan after a poor season? There is a portion of their fan base that wants it. That possibility alone puts him on this watch list of possible candidates if the Cowboys make a move up front. Paying the amount Shanahan would demand seems like a long shot even if he were available. However, some of his students (and students of students) are already on the list, like Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Dolphins OC Frank Smith.
A disturbing story surrounding the father of the popular former Cowboys linebacker. Darwin Vander Esch was arrested in Idaho on Saturday for the attempted strangulation of his wife, Sandy. Darwin also allegedly pushed Sandy to the ground during the altercation and then grabbed her phone as she tried to call emergency services. Darwin denied being physically examined, but a police officer noticed “visible red marks” on Sandy's neck. Leighton has not commented publicly on the matter.
Most Cowboys fans have a hate relationship with the team's cartoon mascot. The biggest criticism lately is that his number 00 jersey prohibits DeMarvion Overshown from wearing the number 0 he made famous in Texas. But on Tuesday, Jones shared some unusual stories about Rowdy that might endear him to the faithful, including one about how local media found the “Rowdy Wagon” parked outside a strip club. When the human actor who was in the costume at the time was called in to give Jones a talk about the bad publicity, he vowed solemnly and with a straight face, “I'll talk to Rowdy about it.”
The Washington running back gave a stark reminder of the enormous risks today's players take when they step onto the football field, describing some of the frightening aftereffects of the concussion he suffered in the team's loss to the Cowboys in Week 12. “I didn’t even remember leaving the field,” Ekeler said. “I just remember having short-term memory loss when it comes to remembering things. I remember my wife sitting in the room and me being examined in the back room by our medical staff. That's when I started remembering things and then all of a sudden we got into the back of the ambulance to do a CT scan. I definitely had a concussion and saw some serious symptoms there.”
