Dallas Cowboys Practice Update: 3 O-Linemen Getting Ready for Patriots?
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys welcome the New England Patriots to the friendly confines of AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and a victory would be the Cowboys 10th consecutive home win.
But first comes the work to be done here inside The Star, continuing with a Thursday session that is highlighted/low-lighted by injury-related news.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy opened the day on Thursday by suggesting that Zack Martin (ankle) and Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) are nearing a return.
"We'll see those guys do a little more today,'' McCarthy said, adding that Tyron Smith (knee) will likely participate in the sideline rehab group.
After getting off to a hot start, the Cowboys were served humble pie in Week 3 at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals in a 28-16 loss. ... and of course injuries were a part of that.
Cowboys Biadasz and Martin.
Now, Dallas looks to right a sloppy performance that included 13 penalties for 107 yards, red-zone struggles and the defense surrendering 222 rushing yards ... A number that likely caused Pats coach Bill Belichick's eyes to light up.
The silver linings? Brandon Aubrey is the first rookie kicker in franchise history to make his first 10 career field goal attempts. Receiver Michael Gallup and running back Rico Dowdle also made their presence felt: Dowdle scored his first NFL touchdown while Gallup finished with with six catches for 92 yards.
Quarterback Dak Prescott will be reunited with best friend and former Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is fresh off a an 80-yard rushing performance in the Patriots' 15-10 win vs. the New York Jets. Owner Jerry Jones suggested there would be a welcome-home surprise for Elliott.
“It’s going to be fun," said Elliott, scheduled to return to Dallas in Week 4 to play his old pals. "I’m excited to go back to Dallas, a place where I have so much history ... my home in the offseason. It will be cool to get back in AT&T Stadium.”
Former Cowboys backup quarterback Will Grier also recently signed with the Patriots. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will change hand signals as he believes Zeke and Grier will help the Patriots prepare.
After an uninspired Week 3, the Dallas defense looks to get after Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The Patriots offense under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has shown signs of new life, with Jones being decisive and efficient in the passing game. Jones tossed a 58-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pharaoh Brown and played mistake free in Week 3.
The hopefully healthy 2023 Dallas squad hopes to improve on a 12-5 campaign of a year ago and usurp the Philadelphia Eagles as NFC East Division champions. Entering week 4, Dallas is tied with Washington, behind the undefeated Eagles, who sit stop the division.
