Denver @ Dallas preview
AT&T Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 17, 2017 ) Dallas 17, Denver 42
The Dallas Cowboys have a path in mind for Dak Prescott to follow in order for the quarterback to return to the field Sunday against Denver Broncos at Arlington, Texas.
So far, it is working well as Prescott said Thursday he will return from a strained right calf to play against Denver.
Prescott strained his calf in the waning moments of Dallas' 35-29 overtime victory over the New England Patriots on Oct. 17. After the bye week followed, the two-time Pro Bowl selection was merely a spectator in the Cowboys' 20-16 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Cooper Rush stepped in and made the most of his first career start, throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns, while sending Dallas (6-1) to its sixth straight victory.
Prescott was a limited participant in what was a scaled-back practice session on Wednesday before being a full participant on Thursday. The workout left him with no concern about returning to action.
"I'm feeling good," Prescott said after Thursday's practice. "Obviously I had two weeks to do a lot of rehab and recover, get everything that I needed to, the different modalities, and I feel good. Had two great days of practice and looking forward to Sunday."
Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott have each flourished in three home starts this season for the Cowboys, who lead the NFL by averaging 454.9 yards per game this season. At home, the former has thrown 10 touchdown passes while the latter has 371 scrimmage yards and five scores (four rushing, one receiving).
Elliott, who leads the NFC with 571 rushing yards, needs just 45 more on Sunday to become the third player in franchise history to reach 7,000. Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith (17,162) and Tony Dorsett (12,036) are the others.
Left tackle Tyron Smith did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and, per Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, "would be pressed to play this week" as he deals with an ankle injury. Ty Nsekhe, Terence Steele and La'el Collins are candidates to replace Smith, although McCarthy wasn't tipping his hand.
"We'd rather (have) Denver find out when they find out," McCarthy said.
Tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) hasn't participated in practice this week. CeeDee Lamb (ankle) sat out Thursday after being injured Wednesday while fellow wideout Amari Cooper (hamstring) was limited on Thursday.
Dallas rookie linebacker Micah Parson earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 11 tackles -- including four for loss -- against Minnesota.
On the Broncos' linebacker front, the team will return to the field without Von Miller. They sent the eight-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl MVP to the Los Angeles Rams prior to Tuesday's trade deadline.
Denver (4-4) is also dealing with injuries, namely to Garett Bolles. The offensive tackle sustained an ankle injury on Melvin Gordon's touchdown run during Sunday's 17-10 win over the Washington Football Team.
Calvin Anderson is expected to play at left tackle and make his third career start.
"I need to see him play the way he's capable of playing, which I think is at a good level," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. "I have a lot of confidence in Calvin. I have for a long time. He knows that. I expect him to go out there and play good. I really do."
Cornerback Bryce Callahan (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday for the Broncos, who will look to either Nate Hairston or Kyle Fuller in his place.
Tight end Noah Fant was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday. He ranks second on the team in catches (37), third in receiving yards (320) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (three).
--Field Level Media