12:45 p.m. – The win over the Commanders was thrilling, but also tinged with some disappointment for the Cowboys.
This was due to yet another injury to the team’s offensive line, with Tyler Smith and Zack Martin both ruled out due to ankle issues, and Asim Richards suffering a high ankle sprain during the game, according to Stephen Jones speaking on 105.3 The Fan. Richards’ injury may sideline the promising young tackle for a while.
Jones mentioned there’s a possibility that Smith could return to face the Giants on Thanksgiving, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who’s been working to return from injured reserve, could also be back. However, Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson is expected to miss the game as he remains in concussion protocol.
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12:15 p.m. – Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been nominated for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, presented to “an NFL player who best embodies on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
The NFL stated that a panel of former NFL players, including Warrick Dunn, 2014 award winner Larry Fitzgerald, Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, and Leonard Wheeler, will select eight finalists (four from the AFC and four from the NFC) from the 32 nominees. Prescott was a finalist in 2023, with Bobby Wagner ultimately winning the award.
The winner will be revealed at the 2024 NFL Honors ceremony, where the recipient will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of their choice.
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5:32 p.m. – Filling in for Trevon Diggs, who was sidelined, Butler was targeted heavily by the Commanders’ passing attack but held his own. He recorded a team-high 12 tackles, added a sack on Jayden Daniels, and broke up three passes.
Even with Diggs expected to return and pair up with DaRon Bland, the Cowboys may have found another playmaker in Butler, who had been mostly on the practice squad earlier in the season.
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5:30 p.m. – Juanyeh Thomas made history with his kickoff return touchdown, despite his coaches and teammates hoping he would simply go down before reaching the end zone.
Thomas fielded the onside kick and sprinted down the field for a 43-yard touchdown, marking the first score of his career. This also became the first time in Cowboys history that two kickoff returns for touchdowns occurred in the same game.
The last Cowboys player to return an onside kick for a touchdown was CeeDee Lamb in 2020 against the 49ers. Last week, Thomas had caught a pass on a failed fake punt, but this time, he found the end zone, extending the Cowboys’ lead by eight points, although they still had to stop Washington’s Hail Mary attempt.
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5:23 p.m. – Brock Hoffman started for the second straight game in place of Zack Martin, who was out with ankle and shoulder injuries.
Hoffman had stepped in for Martin during Week 18 last season, helping the Cowboys secure a comfortable win, and although it wasn’t as easy this time, he performed admirably again. T.J. Bass also started in place of Tyler Smith at left guard, and with rookie Cooper Beebe filling in elsewhere, the Cowboys held their ground in the middle despite their inexperience.
Dallas totaled 332 yards, and running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 86 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
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5:12 p.m. – Chauncey Golston credited the athletic trainers and an IV bag for his comeback after he had to leave the game due to dehydration in the second quarter.
Golston was cleared to return and immediately made an impact with an interception that halted a Commanders’ drive. He also had a key pass deflection on third down.
Golston, who played with defensive linemen Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler under Dan Quinn, noted the personal nature of the game for him and his teammates. “We’re all grown, we’re all paid to be here. The guys before us, like Dorance Armstrong, did it. You have to embrace the challenge when it’s your turn,” Golston said.
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