Wed, 29 Nov 2023

Updates: How Biadasz "saved" the offense again

Dallas Cowboys
19 Sep 2023, 20:24 GMT+10

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September 18 Updates Tyler Biadasz

#63 C

Height: 6-3 Weight: 316 lbs College: Wisconsin

3:44 p.m. - Every snap this season, Tyler Biadasz has his hands on the football before the snap. But twice already this year, he's been the last one to grab it, thanks to his hustle.

Biadasz recovered yet another fumble by the offense on Sunday, sprinting more than 30 yards down the field to pounce on a fumble by CeeDee Lamb, to keep a possession alive. Last week, he also recovered a Tony Pollard fumble near the goal line that led to a touchdown.

"First of all, he's coachable," Mike McCarthy said of Biadasz, referring to the constant reiteration for lineman to follow the play downfield and always be ready. "That's a credit to Tyler, he's saved us on two of them. Two weeks in a row, those are huge plays in the game."

----------------------------------- Tyler Smith

#73 OL

Height: 6-6 Weight: 332 lbs College: Tulsa

1:15 p.m. - Tyler Smith has missed the first two games of the Cowboys season with a hamstring strain, but there's potential for him to take the field in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.

"We feel very optimistic about Tyler [Smith] having a great chance at having a shot against Arizona," Executive Vice President and Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones told 105.3FM the Fan on Monday morning.

Smith was "on the cusp" of playing in Week 1 against the New York Giants, but was held out to allow for more recovery time to help avoid potentially suffering a setback.

The former first-round pick has been pushing to play, per head coach Mike McCarthy, but also stated last week that he understands "it's a long season" and it's key to "be smart about it".

----------------------------------- September 17 Updates Jourdan Lewis

#2 CB

Height: 5-10 Weight: 195 lbs College: Michigan

7:30 p.m. - When Jourdan Lewis took the field on Sunday to battle the New York Jets, it marked his first time doing so since breaking his foot in October 2022, on an interception against the Detroit Lions.

Although he operated on a pitch count this week, he impacted the game when his sticky coverage forced a target to Randall Cobb to fall harmlessly to the turf.

The veteran cornerback was all smiles in the locker room following the 30-10 victory, and said his foot responded wonderfully to his return to action.

"I felt amazing [physically], man. We practice hard, so going out there wasn't that bad. It wasn't that bad. And it felt good [mentally]. It was a confidence booster to know I can go out there and I can press whoever they line up against me. It felt really good to go out there and do the job."

----------------------------------- Brandon Aubrey

#17 K

College: Notre Dame

7:21 p.m. - He said it on Tuesday, and now, owner/GM Jerry Jones said it again after the game Sunday.

"We got ourselves a kicker," Jones said, referring to Brandon Aubrey, who made five field goals against the Jets, including a career-long 55-yarder in the third quarter.

Aubrey became the fourth rookie in franchise history to make five field goals in a game.

Currently this year, Aubrey is 5-of-6 on extra points but 7-of-7 on his field goal attempts.

"Yeah, any time you go out and have a good performance, it's going to raise your confidence level up," Aubrey said. "Just want to go out and stay consistent and keep the same rhythm with every kick."

----------------------------------- Zack Martin

#70 G

Height: 6-4 Weight: 315 lbs College: Notre Dame

7:11 p.m. - After being limited on the injury report this week with a groin injury, Zack Martin was able to play against the Jets, but the injury bug got him again late in the game when he was rolled up on early in the fourth.

Martin stayed down for a moment but was able to stay in the game to finish the drive before being replaced by T.J. Bass with the game out of hand.

Martin, himself, joked in the locker room about some of his teammates prematurely waving for the trainers to come out to the field to attend to him.

"I was like, 'just give me a second,'" Martin joked, seemingly suggesting that he'll be fine.

----------------------------------- Tony Pollard

#20 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 209 lbs College: Memphis

6:34 p.m. - In his first season as the No. 1 running back, Tony Pollard showed why the Cowboys believed he could handle this lead role.

Not only did he finish with a career-high 25 carries for 72 yards, but also had seven receptions - also a career-high - for 37 yards.

In total, the 32 touches for Pollard is the most by any Cowboys player since Ezekiel Elliott had 33 in 2019, ironically against the Jets.

Pollard finished with just a 2.9 average per carry, mainly as the Cowboys played it conservative in the second half with a sizable lead.

----------------------------------- Deuce Vaughn

#42 RB

Height: 5-6 Weight: 176 lbs College: Kansas State

6:21 p.m. - It's rare to have the same exact stat line as a runner and receiver, but Deuce Vaughn was able to do that. He had three carries for 16 yards and also had three receptions for 16 yards as well.

The rookie from Kansas State had both a 13-yard run and a 11-yard reception during a second-quarter drive that resulted in a touchdown and two-point conversion.

----------------------------------- Brandin Cooks

#3 WR

Height: 5-10 Weight: 189 lbs College: Oregon State

1:55 p.m. - Brandin Cooks did not participate in any practice this week due to a knee injury and was labeled as questionable on Friday's injury report, but the veteran wide receiver has officially been ruled out against the Jets.

Cooks is joined by Donovan Wilson and Tyler Smith, who are both working toward making their 2023 debut, recovering from a calf and hamstring strain, respectively.

The remaining inactives include Eric Scott, Junior Fehoko, Noah Igbnioghene and Trey Lance, though Lance will operate under the league's new emergency quarterback rules.

Jourdan Lewis is officially making his return to the field after a brutal foot injury suffered last season, and rookie seventh-round pick Jalen Brooks will make his NFL debut today in the absence of Cooks.

----------------------------------- September 16 Updates Dallas Cowboys

1:04 p.m. - Greg Zuerlein won't get a chance to return to Dallas this weekend, the former Cowboys kicker dealing with a groin injury this week.

Initially labeled as questionable by the Jets on the Friday injury report, he's been downgraded to out - one day later.

Having no kickers on the practice squad to elevate this weekend, the Jets are signing Austin Seibert to be their boot against a Cowboys' special teams unit that blocked Pro Bowl kicker Graham Gano - turning it into a touchdown - one week ago.

Seibert had played in 30 NFL games, finishing the 2022 season with the Detroit Lions where he finished with 100% accuracy on extra points (12-for-12) and 60% on field goal attempts (three-of-five) missing on his lone attempt longer than 49 yards.

Zuerlein kicked for the Cowboys for two seasons (2020-21) and made over 82 percent of field goals (63-of-79).

----------------------------------- September 15 Updates Donovan Wilson

#6 S

Height: 6-0 Weight: 204 lbs College: Texas A&M

3:21 p.m. - Of the four players in question to play Sunday against the Jets, two of them are listed as doubtful on Friday's final injury report.

For the second straight game, both Tyler Smith (hamstring) and safety Donovan Wilson (calf) are listed as doubtful. Neither of them played in the Week 1 win over the Giants.

However, wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) and guard Zack Martin (groin) were both listed as questionable to play against the Jets. Cooks was not a participant in Friday's walk-through but Martin was limited for the second straight day.

If Cooks doesn't play, Jalen Brooks would likely be active and Jalen Tolbert should have a larger role. Without Martin, rookie T.J. Bass would likely be the starter at right guard.

----------------------------------- Tyler Smith

#73 OL

Height: 6-6 Weight: 332 lbs College: Tulsa

10:45 a.m. - Things are still up in the air as it relates to the potential availability of Tyler Smith against the New York Jets on Sunday at AT&T Stadium, and the same is true of Brandin Cooks.

Smith was held out of the season opener at MetLife Stadium with a hamstring strain suffered several days prior, and though he's made progress - noting on Thursday that he feels "much better than I did 11 days ago" - owner and general manager Jerry Jones isn't overly optimistic about Smith's chances in Week 2.

"He's probably the least likely to be active on Sunday," Jones told 105.3FM the Fan on Friday morning, also noting the Cowboys will "see what the day brings" over the next couple of days.

Cooks, who is nursing a knee injury that occurred in the 40-0 victory, has yet to practice this week but Jones made it clear "it's a long way to kickoff" and that "it's not like he needs the reps", intimating it will potentially be a gametime decision on the dynamic veteran wideout.

----------------------------------- September 14 Updates Jourdan Lewis

#2 CB

Height: 5-10 Weight: 195 lbs College: Michigan

3:18 p.m. - Veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis said he felt pretty close to playing last week, but was held out as he fully recovers from a foot injury. But this week against the Jets? Lewis was asked to put a percentage on his chances of playing.

"I think it's a 100 percent on me playing ... but it's not may call," Lewis said. "It feels really good. I felt good last week, but I needed some stabilizing."

Lewis hasn't played in a game since Week 7 against the Lions last year. That's when he initially suffered a foot injury that has sidelined him the rest of the regular season and playoffs, all of the offseason and training camp. But now, Lewis said he's "absolutely" the closest he's been to playing again.

If he returns to the lineup, he'll join a cornerback group that was quite productive last week against the Giants. Trevon Diggs forced two turnovers, Stephon Gilmore had an interception, DaRon Bland had an interception returned for a touchdown and Noah Igbinoghene returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown.

Cowboys-Jets Full Injury Report

----------------------------------- Zack Martin

#70 G

Height: 6-4 Weight: 315 lbs College: Notre Dame

3:01 p.m. - As if the Cowboys don't have enough key starters on the injury report, especially on the offensive line. Now, veteran Zack Martin has been added after being limited in practice with a groin injury.

The Cowboys also have Tyler Smith (hamstring) and Tyron Smith (ankle) on the list. Tyler Smith did not practice while Tyron was able to be a full participant. If Martin can't play, that could leave the Cowboys down two guards for the Jets, who have one of the top interior D-lines in football, led by Quinnen Williams.

The good news is Martin himself sounds optimistic about the outlook, and not concerned at all about his availability vs. the Jets.

"I'm doing good," he told 105.3FM the Fan on Thursday. "It was just a little tight so they [took] care of me today."

Cowboys-Jets Full Injury Report

----------------------------------- Brandin Cooks

#3 WR

Height: 5-10 Weight: 189 lbs College: Oregon State

12:00 p.m. - Wednesday's estimated practice report had Brandin Cooks (knee), Tyler Smith (hamstring) and Donovan Wilson (calf) all listed as non-participants, and head coach Mike McCarthy was able to provide a Thursday update on each going into the first full practice of the week.

"All three have improved. Donovan did more yesterday than I expected. Tyler will work with rehab today and Brandin will be in the same mode [as Wednesday]."

In addition, Jourdan Lewis - who is in the ramp-up phase of getting back on the field after recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury suffered last season - is nearing his return, according to McCarthy.

"I think Jourdan is very close to playing."

----------------------------------- September 13 Updates Tyler Smith

#73 OL

Height: 6-6 Weight: 332 lbs College: Tulsa

12:26 a.m. - Donovan Wilson and Tyler Smith are two integral pieces for what makes the Cowboys dominant on both sides of the ball, but both were absent with injury in the Week 1 blowout over the New York Giants.

As the team prepares to host the New York Jets in Week 2, both Wilson and Smith were held out of the Cowboys' walkthrough on Wednesday and remained with the rehab group.

That isn't to say there's no chance either (or both) take the field on Sunday because, per head coach Mike McCarthy, Wilson is making big strides while Smith doesn't sound far behind.

"I know Dono had a big workout today. I know Tyler is doing really well. He's pushing to play. [On Thursday], hopefully we can get them involved. I know Dono is a little further ahead than Tyler right now. They'll both work with the rehab group today."

----------------------------------- Brandin Cooks

#3 WR

Height: 5-10 Weight: 189 lbs College: Oregon State

3:15 p.m. - The Dallas Cowboys did not hold a full practice on Wednesday, as the team instead did a walk-through ahead of their week two clash against the New York Jets. The team released their full injury report on Wednesday afternoon as if it had been a full practice, and a notable addition was a "DNP" designation for wide receiver Brandin Cooks who is dealing with a knee issue.

"He's doing OK," head coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday. "I think he's gonna try to do a little bit tomorrow. He's got a chance [to play Sunday]."

Along with Cooks, LG Tyler Smith (hamstring) and S Donovan Wilson (calf) were also listed as DNP. LT Tyron Smith (ankle) was listed as a full participant as his injury concern continues to wane after he played on Sunday night against the Giants.

Thursday's full practice in pads will determine the severity of the injuries to Cooks, Smith and Wilson going deeper into the week.

----------------------------------- September 11 Updates Osa Odighizuwa

#97 DT

Height: 6-2 Weight: 280 lbs College: UCLA

3:56 p.m. - When the Cowboys re-signed Johnathan Hankins and then drafted Mazi Smith, the defensive tackle position definitely got deeper, but also created some uncertainty about the role for Osa Odighizuwa.

But the third-year tackle had one of his best games of his career Sunday night against the Giants, producing two sacks and showing versatility to line up at both tackle and end, where he rushed from the outside to sack Daniel Jones in the second quarter.

Defensive end Dan Quinn was overly pleased with Odighizuwa's play in Week 1, and claimed "he's putting the whole package together."

Odighizuwa not only tied with Dorance Armstrong for two sacks, but led the team with three quarterback hits to go along with four total tackles.

----------------------------------- September 10 Updates Trevon Diggs

#7 CB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 195 lbs College: Alabama

12:30 a.m. - Despite a huge performance from Trevon Diggs that included a powerful pass breakup that led to a DaRon Bland pick-six and a forced fumble at the end of a big play from New York, he is already looking ahead to next week in order to stack confidence.

"We're gonna put this game behind and try to do it again next week," Diggs said.

Diggs helped to account for two of Dallas' three takeaways, with the other coming from veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore on an interception.

When asked about Diggs and Gilmore being the best cornerback duo in the league, Diggs resorted to the audience for that answer.

"I feel like we'll just put it on display every weekend and let y'all decide."

----------------------------------- Tony Pollard

#20 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 209 lbs College: Memphis

12:26 a.m. - It's the first time in the NFL career of Tony Pollard that he took the field as the lead back, and he didn't disappoint in the beatdown by the Dallas Cowboys over the New York Giants in the regular season opener on Sunday night.

Pollard, hot off of earning his first Pro Bowl in 2022, finished the evening with 14 carries for 70 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with two catches for 12 yards (82 total yards from scrimmage).

It was a game dominated by defense that Pollard says helped tee up the offense to add to the scoreboard, in a game that saw the Cowboys score in all three phases of the game.

"They made it easy for us today," he said. "They kind of took our job from us. They put up just as many points as us. Anytime the defense is going like that, it's good for everything ... It gets everybody going - from the momentum."

----------------------------------- KaVontae Turpin

#9 WR

Height: 5-9 Weight: 153 lbs College: TCU

11:21 p.m. - Last year, KaVontae Turpin was primarily a return specialist, and landed spots on the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.

But this year, he figured to have a bigger role on offense. That showed up in the first game, as he was used both as a runner and receiver, scoring his first career touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard run.

"We've got a lot of playmakers on this team," Turpin said. "It feels good to be a part of this offense and we've got a lot of guys who can make plays with the ball in their hands. I was able to get in there (end zone) tonight. It's a great feeling."

Turpin scored two special teams touchdowns in one game during the preseason last year against the Chargers, a game that propelled him as one of the better return specialists in the league.

----------------------------------- Dak Prescott

#4 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 238 lbs College: Mississippi State

10:57 p.m. - Aside from guiding his team to a 40-0 win over a division rival, the stat sheet for Dak Prescott doesn't reflect one of his better games. With 143 passing yards, no TDs or interceptions and a 72.0 QB rating, Prescott wasn't a major factor in the game, but much of that could be attributed to the steady downpour of rain for most of the game.

What Prescott can do is chalk up another win over the Giants, giving him 11 straight wins over the New York rivals dating back to 2017.

The 11 straight wins ties Dak with Roger Staubach for the longest win streak against the Giants by any NFL quarterback since 1950.

----------------------------------- Juanyeh Thomas

#30 S

Height: 6-3 Weight: 217 lbs College: Georgia Tech

10:31 p.m. - What a start for Thomas, who became the first NFL player in eight years to block a field goal in his NFL debut when he redirected the Giants field goal that was returned for a touchdown early in the game.

Thomas is also the first Cowboys player to block a field goal in his first game in the last 25 years.

But Thomas did a little more than that, making an impact on defense. He had a tackle for loss on the first drive, also a pass deflection on the second drive.

The first-year safety who spent all of last year on the practice squad has taken advantage of the extra reps with Donovan Wilson out since the first day of training camp with a calf injury. Wilson is expected to return to action next week against the Jets.

----------------------------------- Tyler Smith

#73 OL

Height: 6-6 Weight: 332 lbs College: Tulsa

6:00 p.m. - We are 90 minutes to kick for the Cowboys season opener against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, and Dallas will take the field without three key starters.

Left guard Tyler Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out, which most likely opens the door for Chuma Edoga to get the start in his place. Safety Donovan Wilson (calf) and cornerback Jourdan Lewis (foot) are also out as they work back from injury.

Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and defensive end Sam Williams (toe) are active and will play on Sunday night.

For the Giants, tight end Darren Waller is active after popping up on the injury report on Thursday afternoon.

----------------------------------- September 9 Updates Malik Hooker

#28 S

Height: 6-2 Weight: 212 lbs College: Ohio State

1:00 p.m. - Malik Hooker has been added to the Week 1 injury report against the Giants with an illness, just ahead of the team's departure for New York.

It's being described as procedural and the expectation is that the veteran safety will take the field on Sunday night.

The Cowboys also elevated two players from the practice squad - C.J. Goodwin and Brock Hoffman - to the gameday roster this week.

Goodwin is the resident special teams ace and Hoffman provides insurance in the event Tyler Smith, who is nursing a hamstring strain, is deemed unavailable against the Giants.

----------------------------------- September 8 Updates Mike McCarthy

Head Coach

College: Baker University Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

8:45 a.m. - Head coach Mike McCarthy said on his Friday conference call with the media that Tyler Smith (hamstring) and Tyron Smith (ankle) both participated in the team's mock game on Friday morning, and that he hopes to get both along with Donovan Wilson (calf) back on the practice field for Saturday.

"They were both part of the mock game [on Friday]," McCarthy said. "Tomorrow, as of right now, they're scheduled to be limited [for the team's walk-through], both Tyron and Tyler as well as Dono. Dono is gonna do more than he did yesterday. We're making progress. The reality of it is if they don't take the necessary reps in tomorrow's practice, that'll probably tell us the story for Sunday night."

With the offensive line injuries being especially worrisome with the lack of depth behind the starting five, McCarthy said that having Chuma Edoga and rookie Asim Richards step in would be an option if one or both of the Smiths cannot go on Sunday night.

"That's an option," he said. "That's the first combination we've been working."

----------------------------------- September 7 Updates Mike McCarthy

Head Coach

College: Baker University Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

8:45 a.m. - Cowboys LG Tyler Smith (hamstring) will work again on Thursday with the rehab group during practice, but head coach Mike McCarthy said that Smith told him that he "feels really good" with three days to go until the season opener.

"If he practices Saturday, we'll give him a chance to go [Sunday]," McCarthy said.

Donovan Wilson (calf) will miss practice altogether on Thursday as he tends to a "positive personal matter" and Sam Williams (toe) will work with the rehab group.

----------------------------------- September 6 Updates Jourdan Lewis

#2 CB

Height: 5-10 Weight: 195 lbs College: Michigan

3:52 p.m. - The first official injury report of the season has some encouraging news for Jourdan Lewis, who has missed all of the offseason with a foot injury.

But on Wednesday, Lewis was a full participant in practice, suggesting that he could return to action for Sunday's game with the Giants.

The Cowboys have some depth at corner already with Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore and DaRon Bland but Lewis would add even more experience, especially in the slot.

Last year, Lewis only played in six games, starting four, before suffering the injury that sidelined him the rest of the season.

----------------------------------- September 5 Updates Tyler Smith

#73 OL

Height: 6-6 Weight: 332 lbs College: Tulsa

8:46 a.m. - There's added caution being taken with Tyler Smith this week, as the Cowboys prepare to open their 2023 regular season against the New York Giants on Sept. 10.

The former first-round pick exited practice on Monday with what's been described as tightness in his hamstring, and will undergo a precautionary MRI on Tuesday, per owner and general manager Jerry Jones.

Smith, who'll open the season as the starting left guard, will be key in the continuity and impact of the offensive line going forward, and it appears there isn't much concern from the Cowboys on his availability for Week 1.

"We felt better about that after we assessed it after practice. You always are concerned initially. ... Nothing that we've evaluated keeps him out of [the opener] at this point," said Jones, one day before practice resumes at The Star in Frisco.

----------------------------------- August 31 Updates Donovan Wilson

#6 S

Height: 6-0 Weight: 204 lbs College: Texas A&M

With week one quickly approaching, eyes are starting to lock in on safety Donovan Wilson and his availability ahead of the Sept. 10 season opener after suffering a calf injury on the first day of training camp.

When asked about it on Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy said that a more complete update would be available early next week.

"It's going okay," McCarthy said about Wilson's recovery. "We'll have more for you on Monday. He won't work in a full capacity today."

----------------------------------- August 30 Updates

2:44 p.m. - It didn't take long for Will Grier to find a new home in the NFL, only one day after being released by the Dallas Cowboys in the wake of trading for quarterback Trey Lance.

Grier has signed onto the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday, marking his first change of teams since 2021 - when he joined the Cowboys practice squad.

The former third-round pick (2019) began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers before heading to Dallas, ultimately seeing Cooper Rush cement the role of QB2; and now Lance joins the Cowboys QB room as the developmental quarterback.

Grier gets a fresh start in Cincinnati after playing a career-best game in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, serving backup to Joe Burrow and Jake Browning, reuniting with former offensive line teammate La'El Collins in the process.

----------------------------------- August 28 Updates Dallas Cowboys

6:48 p.m. - The Arizona Cardinals announced on Monday that they have officially moved quarterback Kyler Murray to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, which rules the former No. 1 overall pick out for at least the first four games of the team's season.

With the Cowboys traveling to Glendale on Sept. 24, Dallas will officially see a different signal-caller with Joshua Dobbs being the expected starter in Arizona. Rookie Clayton Tune and David Blough are the only other quarterbacks on the roster after veteran Colt McCoy was cut by the organization on Monday.

The Cowboys will look to improve upon their 3-7 record in their last 10 games at Arizona when they travel to State Farm Stadium in week three.

----------------------------------- Mike McCarthy

Head Coach

College: Baker University Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

4:18 p.m. - With Tuesday's 3:00 p.m. CT deadline to cut the roster to 53 impending, head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff along with the front office are working diligently today and early tomorrow to make final decisions.

As it pertains specifically to the offensive line depth, McCarthy acknowledged the challenge in the room as of now.

"Oh yeah, we got some work to do," McCarthy said about the offensive line. "We just had a pretty extensive personnel meeting, but we're still working through it."

-----------------------------------

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