ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are poised to enhance their health and condition during an extended break, but they will have to navigate the remainder of the season without their key quarterback, Dak Prescott, who has undergone season-ending surgery for a torn hamstring. As the Cowboys hold a record of 5-7, their recent victory over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving—27-20—has given the team a much-needed morale boost following a challenging five-game losing streak.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face three more teams currently struggling with losing records, the first being a Monday night showdown against Cincinnati on December 9. As the defending NFC East champions, there is a flicker of optimism within the team that they can extend their playoff streak to four years.
Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of this period of rest, stating, “The rest might be the most important part of the schedule. If you just look at what we’ve been dealing with, rest and recovery will really help us. The schedule is set up for our players to be on a bye week. I do want them to get away, get their batteries charged, and be ready to go.”
In Prescott’s absence, the onus of leading the offense now rests on Cooper Rush, who has successfully steered the team to consecutive victories, managing without star right guard Zack Martin due to injuries. The expectation is for Martin to return for the upcoming game.
A significant concern for the Cowboys lies in the health of 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, who aggravated a shoulder injury against the Giants. Team owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism that the extended time off would allow Lamb to recover in time for the Cincinnati game.
On the defensive side, the Cowboys have shown revitalized energy since star pass rusher Micah Parsons returned from injury. The potential return of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has been sidelined since Week 4, could further strengthen the lineup. Additionally, cornerback Trevon Diggs is working through his own injury issues, having missed two games, and both he and DaRon Bland—who set an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns—have not yet shared the field this season due to injury setbacks.
If the Cowboys can field a nearly complete defense, they will be better equipped to challenge Cincinnati’s explosive passing offense, led by Joe Burrow.
What has been working well for the Cowboys is their improved turnover margin and defensive performance since Parsons’ return. DeMarvion Overshown’s impressive 23-yard pick-six contributed to their successful season’s turnover ratio, which has markedly improved compared to earlier in the season. The Cowboys have upped their pressure on opposing quarterbacks significantly, averaging nearly eight QB hits per game since Parsons’ return.
However, there is still room for improvement, especially regarding their efficiency in the red zone. The Cowboys rank poorly in touchdown conversion rates when getting close to scoring, often relying on field goals. They faced early struggles against the Giants, only to regain momentum as the game progressed.
In terms of player performance, running back Rico Dowdle celebrated his first 100-yard rushing game, amassing 112 yards and a touchdown. His notable 22-yard run early in the quarter marked a significant moment for the Cowboys’ running game this season.
On the flip side, CeeDee Lamb appeared to struggle with a shoulder issue during the game, leading to multiple dropped passes that could have shifted momentum.
Injury updates indicate that cornerback Josh Butler suffered a torn ACL during the Giants game, while special teams player Juanyeh Thomas hurt his knee. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton is also dealing with a high ankle sprain, paving the way for Chuma Edoga to make his first start against the Bengals.
A key statistic this season is McCarthy’s tally of 172 regular-season victories, placing him in a tie with legendary coach Bill Parcells for the 14th spot on the NFL’s career wins list.
Overall, this unusual extended break offers a unique opportunity for the Cowboys to regroup and prepare for the remaining challenges—a rarity in the NFL and a chance for revitalization heading into the critical conclusion of the season.