The Dallas Cowboys head to Minnesota on Sunday to play the Vikings and are likely to have several key players available for one of the biggest matchups of the season. The Vikings come into the game at 8-1 and are in command of the NFC North but have a couple of noteworthy players that will not be able to participate.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been inactive since suffering a knee sprain and a leg contusion in Week 7. Elliott likely could have played last week in the Cowboys’ overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers but was ruled out ahead of the game to give him another week of rest.
Elliott suffered an injury to his PCL in the same knee last season that significantly slowed down the power back’s performance in the second half of the season. Elliott was limited in practice, but the Cowboys coaching staff is optimistic that he will be ready on Sunday.
“If he’s ready to play this week, we’re going to play him,” said McCarthy.
DeMarcus Lawrence appeared on the injury report this week with a toe ailment. The injury occurred during the Week 10 loss, but Lawrence did not miss a snap as a result and turned in one of the best performances along the defensive line.
Lawrence was held out of practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, though he is expected to be available on Sunday. Coaches are treating the injury cautiously, given the importance of Lawrence to the defense.
Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Barr was also limited in practice this week and missed the Week 10 game against Green Bay with a hamstring injury. Barr signed with the Cowboys this offseason after playing for eight seasons in Minnesota.
Barr has not been ruled out at this point and may be available to face his former team on Sunday, a move that will help reinforce the defense as they prepare to face one of the league’s most opportunistic offenses.
The worst of it for Dallas is that cornerback Anthony Brown has yet to clear concussion protocol after going down with a head injury in Week 10. The Cowboys will need every available athlete to compete against the speedy and sure-handed receivers fielded by Minnesota this season.
Vikings fans got a fright this week when star wide receiver Justin Jefferson appeared on the injury report with a toe injury. Jefferson had 197 yards receiving against the Buffalo Bills last week, including several highlight reel receptions that defy logic. Vikings staff are treating the injury as a precaution and fully anticipate the receiver being on the field against the Cowboys.
Minnesota is almost certain to be without offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Akayleb Evans. Both players suffered concussion injuries last week and have been non-participants in practice this week. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson also did not participate in practice due to a calf injury. Vikings coaches said Tomlinson is “close” to a return but isn’t likely to be ready on Sunday.
