The Dallas Cowboys are in great shape heading into this week’s matchup with the New England Patriots in Foxborough. The team announced that two players had been moved from the injured list, while several star players who did not practice are expected to play on Sunday. No new injuries were reported following last week’s contest against the New York Giants.
This week, the biggest concerns for fans have been Ezekiel Elliott’s ribs and Trevon Diggs’ ankle. Neither participated in Wednesday’s practice but are expected to be at full-speed against the Patriots. Cornerback Kelvin Joseph and tight end Sean McKeon begin their 21-day countdown to a return to action. Neither will be active for the game Sunday.
The Cowboys still have several players who will be on the injury list until after the bye week next week. Tackle Neville Gallimore, who dislocated his elbow in the preseason, may be able to return in two weeks. Farther off, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who broke his foot in practice, is still several weeks to a month away from returning to team activities.
Elliott has been limited in practice this week out of caution. He injured his ribs falling on a pylon camera in last Sunday’s victory over the Giants in the fourth quarter. However, the freak accident has brought into question the safety of the cameras. Elliott explained that the pylon stabbed him and knocked the wind out.
Trevon Diggs, who currently leads the NFL in interceptions and is on pace to set league records this year, did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday as he rests what is being called an “ankle injury.” Team Owner Jerry Jones downplayed the injury, saying that Diggs “will be ready to go” against the Patriots on his weekly radio appearance.
However, Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. reports that sources from within the team believe Diggs will be a game-time decision. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed on Friday that Diggs was limited and would be a question mark until gameday. Diggs has six interceptions so far and has at least one in every game this season.
The Cowboys added defensive end Randy Gregory, to the injury report Thursday with a knee ailment. Gregory played through the knee injury last week, and despite recording no tackles, was credited with a total of nine QB pressures on 30 pass attempts, according to Tom Downey of the Cowboys Report.
Gregory is expected to play Sunday. He has missed one game this season due to COVID. He has two sacks on the season, both coming against the Carolina Panthers. Once recovered, Gregory is expected to become the leader of the defensive line with the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have a 3:25 pm CDT kickoff at Gillette Stadium. Dallas is looking to continue a four-game win streak against the Patriots, who eked out a tight win last week against the Houston Texans to end a two-game losing streak. Dallas is 4-1 while New England sits at 2-3.