by Nick Eatman, Rob Phillips & David Helman

Don't miss any of the action with our daily updates: news, notes and more throughout the Cowboys' regular season. Presented by Sleep Number

Oct. 23 Updates Zack Martin

#70 G

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

3 p.m. - The Cowboys have officially ruled out Zack Martin for Sunday's game at Washington.

The Pro Bowl guard is still in the NFL's concussion protocol following Monday night's loss to Arizona.

Left tackle Brandon Knight has also been ruled out of Sunday's game, as expected. Knight had knee surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, head coach Mike McCarthy said.

Defensive end Aldon Smith (neck) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game, so he should be ready to play.

Click here for the full injury report for the Cowboys and Washington.

--------------------------------------------- Aldon Smith

#58 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 265 lbs College: Missouri

11:08 a.m. - The veteran pass-rusher is expected to play this Sunday in Washington. Smith missed Wednesday's practice with a neck injury and then was upgraded to limited on Thursday.

But head coach Mike McCarthy said he expects Smith to be ready to play on Sunday. Smith is leading the Cowboys in sacks with four.

The Cowboys are hoping for a boost off the edge with the return of Randy Gregory this week, creating a pass-rushing rotation that also includes DeMarcus Lawrence and Everson Griffen.

Zack Martin

#70 G

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

10:57 a.m. - The Cowboys are preparing to play Sunday at Washington without All-Pro guard Zack Martin, who remains in the NFL's concussion protocol as of Friday morning.

"Unless something changes here in the next 24 hours, I don't see Zack participating," McCarthy said. "I think we all recognize it being a Monday night game (against Arizona) it was going to be a challenge. But he's still not through the protocol."

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones echoed McCarthy on 105.3 The Fan, saying the team "probably won't" have Martin available Sunday.

Connor McGovern, last year's third-round pick, filled in at right guard against Arizona this past Monday. McGovern missed all of last season with a pectoral injury.

"This is his opportunity," McCarthy said. "You look at what he went through last year and I think he's progressed each and every week. If it ends up being Connor, he will be ready to go."

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 22 Updates Chidobe Awuzie

#24 CB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 202 lbs College: Colorado

4:24 p.m. - The Cowboys started the 21-day practice window for cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and linebacker Sean Lee, who are both currently on the Reserve/Injured list.

Both players can be activated from IR at any point during that time period. When they do return, the Cowboys will have to make room on the active roster to move them back to the 53.

Lee has been all IR all season recovering from core muscle surgery. Awuzie was placed on IR after hurting his hamstring in Week 2 against Atlanta.

--------------------------------------------- Steven Parker

#40 DB

Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 lbs College: Oklahoma

3:03 p.m. - The Cowboys have officially moved safety Steven Parker to the active roster. He's played the last two weeks, being elevated from the practice squad per the NFL rules that allow teams to have extra players on game day. But now Parker is on the roster as the Cowboys had an extra spot on the 53-man roster.

Parker played 24 snaps against the Giants two weeks ago, but only eight on Monday vs. Arizona.

The Cowboys also brought back cornerback Savion Smith, who was on the roster but released this week. Smith is now on the Cowboys' practice squad.

--------------------------------------------- Aldon Smith

#58 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 265 lbs College: Missouri

2:57 p.m. - As head coach Mike McCarthy indicated Thursday morning, defensive end Aldon Smith was a limited participant in practice after sitting out Wednesday with a neck injury.

Guard Zack Martin (concussion) and Brandon Knight (knee) did not practice again Thursday. Martin is going through the league's concussion protocol and Knight is expected to miss at least a couple weeks after knee surgery Tuesday.

Click here for the full injury reports for the Cowboys and Washington.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 21 Updates Zack Martin

#70 G

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

4:19 p.m. - Guard Zack Martin remained in concussion protocol as the Cowboys held a lighter practice Wednesday coming off their Monday night loss to Arizona.

The Cowboys will probably have a better idea later in the week regarding Martin's status for Sunday at Washington.

"He's doing well," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "I saw Zack this morning when he came in. He's obviously still in the protocol. I can't give you a specific evaluation. But he's here and working through it."

Defensive end Aldon Smith did not practice Wednesday due to a neck issue. He played the majority of the defensive snaps against the Cardinals.

Left tackle Brandon Knight did not practice due to knee surgery that will sidelined him at least a couple of weeks, according to McCarthy.

Click here for the full injury report for Cowboys-Washington in Week 7.

--------------------------------------------- CeeDee Lamb

#88 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 189 lbs College: Oklahoma

10:36 a.m. - While the Cowboys haven't gotten off to a fast start here this season, no receiver in NFL history has accomplished what CeeDee Lamb has so far through six games.

After posing seven catches on Monday, Lamb is the first player in league history to begin a career with at least five receptions in six consecutive games. He surpassed the mark set by former Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn, who have five straight games in 1996 as a rookie with the Patriots.

Lamb also has 10 receptions this year of 20+ yards, tying him with Justin Jefferson and Calvin Ridley as the most by any player in the NFL this year.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 20 Updates Brandon Knight

#69 T

Height: 6-4 Weight: 314 lbs College: Indiana

7:00 p.m. -The Cowboys are down yet another offensive tackle. Brandon Knight, who has started at left tackle the past two weeks but has played both sides this year, is expected miss a few games with a knee injury.

Mike McCarthy announced the injury Tuesday in his press conference.

Heading into this week, the Cowboys have Terence Steele, Greg Senat and Jordan Mills on the practice squad and possibly Cam Erving will come off IR, where both Tyron Smith and La'el Collins will be for the entire season.

--------------------------------------------- Randy Gregory

#94 DE

Height: 6-5 Weight: 255 lbs College: Nebraska

5:36 p.m. - Defensive end Randy Gregory is off the commissioner's exempt list and back on the Cowboys' active roster, according to the NFL's official transactions page.

Gregory is eligible to return to game action Sunday at Washington. As part of his conditional reinstatement to the league, he was cleared to begin practicing again with the team the last two weeks.

The Cowboys waived WR Ventell Bryant and DB Saivion Smith on Tuesday. Smith had been on the active roster since late September. Bryant had been on Reserve/Injured rehabbing a training camp injury.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 19 Updates Zack Martin

#70 G

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

10:33 p.m. - Guard Zack Martin left Monday's game in the first half with a concussion and did not return. He will be in the NFL's concussion protocol as the Cowboys move into Week 7 on Tuesday.

The Cowboys next play at Washington on Sunday. Martin's status for that game remains to be seen.

Connor McGovern took over at right guard for Martin. The Cowboys were already without starting offensive tackles Tyron Smith (neck) and La'el Collins (hip), who are expected to miss the rest of the season, and starting center Joe Looney (knee), who is currently on Reserve/Injured.

--------------------------------------------- Ben DiNucci

#7 QB

Height: 6-3 Weight: 209 lbs College: James Madison

5:55 p.m. - Ben DiNucci is officially the Cowboys' backup quarterback.

The rookie draft pick had been inactive for the first five weeks of the season. But with Dak Prescott on injured reserve and Andy Dalton moving into the starting lineup, DiNucci is the next man up for this Monday night game against Arizona.

The team signed journeyman quarterback Garrett Gilbert last week following Prescott's ankle injury. But due to COVID-19 protocols, it was never realistic to think Gilbert would be ready to get into the building and get ready for a game on such short notice.

Instead, it'll be DiNucci who is on notice if something happens to Dalton.

The rest of the Cowboys' inactives are fairly straightforward. With Leighton Vander Esch returning to the lineup, reserve linebackers Luke Gifford and Rashad Smith are both inactive. Reserve defensive backs Reggie Robinson and Saivion Smith are also inactive, as is sixth receiver Malik Turner.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 17 Updates Leighton Vander Esch

#55 LB

Height: 6-4 Weight: 256 lbs College: Boise State

7 p.m. - Head coach Mike McCarthy says he's "definitely encouraged" about Leighton Vander Esch's chances of returning to game action Monday night against Arizona at AT&T Stadium.

"All the arrows are pointing up right now," McCarthy said.

--------------------------------------------- Last week the Cowboys activated the 21-day practice window for Vander Esch to return from Reserve/Injured. The third-year linebacker progressed to full practice Thursday, and McCarthy said Friday's padded practice went well, too.

Vander Esch underwent surgery in mid-September to repair a collarbone fracture suffered in the season opener against the Rams.

--------------------------------------------- Dorance Armstrong

#92 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 255 lbs College: Kansas

6:59 p.m. - The Cowboys have six players listed on this week's practice report, and all should be ready for Monday night's game against Arizona.

DE Dorance Armstrong (knee), TE Blake Bell (knee), DE Tyrone Crawford (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (knee), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) and Everson Griffen (not injury related) all had full practice Friday and do not carry an injury designation for Monday's game.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 16 Updates Leighton Vander Esch

#55 LB

Height: 6-4 Weight: 256 lbs College: Boise State

10:35 p.m. - Head coach Mike McCarthy says he's "definitely encouraged" about Leighton Vander Esch's chances of returning to game action Monday night against Arizona.

"All the arrows are pointing up right now," McCarthy said.

Last week the Cowboys activated the 21-day practice window for Vander Esch to return from Reserve/Injured. The third-year linebacker moved into full practice Thursday, and McCarthy said Friday's padded practice went well, too.

Vander Esch underwent surgery in mid-September for a collarbone fracture suffered in the season opener against the Rams.

4:08 p.m. - Just over a month since surgery to repair a fractured collarbone, Leighton Vander Esch is getting closer to a return. But the Cowboys -- as always with players returning from injury -- have no intention of putting the third-year linebacker back on the field until he's absolutely ready.

"He will not go back out there if he's vulnerable in any way, inordinately vulnerable, as to certainly the injury that he has dealt with. I'll assure you of that," Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. "You can bet if he hits the field that he has complete go and a solid go to go out.

"We would not risk additional injury because of that injury, whether it's where he was injured or how he's playing because he was injured. So, all of that you can feel real good (that) if you see him on the field, he should be out there."

Vander Esch has been ahead of schedule in his rehab with the athletic training staff since undergoing surgery after the Sept. 12 opener against the Rams. He went through a full practice Thursday, so a return Monday night against Arizona seems possible, but head coach Mike McCarthy said Friday's padded practice will be an important gauge.

Currently Vander Esch is on Reserve/Injured but has started the 21-day practice window in preparation to be activated from IR within that time period.

Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan that Vander Esch has a "great opportunity" to possibly return to the lineup Monday.

"He's only played a half a game, so we've got to be careful working him back into the mix," Jones said. "But hopefully he's a go and hopefully we'll get him some significant playing time."

--------------------------------------------- Everson Griffen

#97 DE

Height: 6-3 Weight: 273 lbs College: USC

4:05 p.m. -- Defensive end Everson Griffen returned to practice Friday after being excused from Thursday's practice because of a personal matter.

Click here for the full practice report for Cowboys-Cardinals in Week 6.

--------------------------------------------- Anthony Brown

#30 CB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 196 lbs College: Purdue

10:33 a.m. - The defense wasn't exactly cured last week, allowing 27 points to a Giants' team that ranked last in scoring. But the Cowboys did get a win, and they also scored a defensive touchdown by Anthony Brown, who said the energy was different with DC Mike Nolan moving from the booth to the field.

"We get to talk to him face-to-face rather than being on the phone," Brown said. "You can feel his energy and his vibe and where he's coming from. If we messed up or if he liked what we did out there he can tell us face-to-face instead of over the phone. That's definitely a big help for us from the sideline."

Brown's scoop-and-score off a D-Law sack tied the game in the second quarter. It was Brown's first career touchdown both in the NFL or college, and his first game back after missing three games with a rib injury.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 15 Updates Everson Griffen

#97 DE

Height: 6-3 Weight: 273 lbs College: USC

3:22 p.m. - It's hard to say that everyone on the team is healthy when the Cowboys just lost their franchise quarterback for the season, among many other injury setbacks in recent weeks. But regarding the actual 53-man roster, the Cowboys are relatively healthy, with every banged u player on the injury report practicing in full on Thursday, including DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) and Trevon Diggs (knee).

The only exception was defensive end Everson Griffen, who had a non-injury related situation that kept him from practicing at The Star.

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

#4 QB

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

11:10 a.m. - Four days after surgery to repair a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, Dak Prescott is at The Star today to show support for his teammates as they return to practice.

"He's in the building and you just see the reaction everybody has that he's here," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "I just think that speaks volumes about him as a man and just the electricity that he brings to our football team."

The Cowboys are confident Prescott will make a full recovery from the serious ankle injury, suffered last Sunday in the third quarter against the Giants. Speaking Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said it looks promising that Prescott will be back on the field by the spring offseason program in late April or early May.

Prescott posted a message on his Instagram page today: "Just want everyone to know that I'm doing well and I can't thank you enough for all your love, your support, your prayers over the last few days. They've been more than overwhelming. ... Just ready to start this road to comeback."

--------------------------------------------- Leighton Vander Esch

#55 LB

Height: 6-4 Weight: 256 lbs College: Boise State

10:58 a.m. - After missing the last four games to a broken collarbone, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is expected to practice in full on Thursday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.

Vander Esch suffered the injury in Week 1 against the Rams and has been moved to injured reserve but is eligible to come off the list and onto the active roster.

That will be determined in how he practices over the next two days. The Cowboys of course have an extra day to make that decision, with the game being on Monday night.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 14 Updates Donovan Wilson

#37 S

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

1:23 p.m. - The Cowboys continued trying different combinations at the safety spot next to Xavier Woods last Sunday against the Giants.

Donovan Wilson made his first career start after replacing Darian Thompson in the lineup for most of the Browns game in Week 3. He played 44 of 68 defensive snaps against the Giants, and Steven Parker, elevated from the practice squad last Saturday, chipped in 24 snaps in the 37-34 victory.

Thompson, who started the first four games, helped out in the box as part of the defense's dime package in the second half.

"It's just a case of trying to utilize the young guys that we have and get them more playing time," defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said.

Cornerback Daryl Worley and recently-released Brandon Carr have also gotten snaps at safety this season.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 13 Updates DeMarcus Lawrence

#90 DE

Height: 6-3 Weight: 265 lbs College: Boise State

4:45 p.m. - According to the website Pro Football Focus, only 19 players across the NFL received an overall grade of 90.0 or higher in the the Week 5 games through Monday. Of those 19, the Cowboys not only had the highest player grade, but had four players with a 90 or higher.

Leading the way was DeMarcus Lawrence, whose 94.9 grade was the highest among any player in the NFL. He had a critical sack and forced fumble that led to a game-tying touchdown. He was also credited with six quarterback pressures, after recording 11 in the previous four games combined.

PFF also gave Jaylon Smith a 92.6 grade, tied for fourth-highest. Aldon Smith got a 92.1 and CeeDee Lamb was graded at 91.0.

For what it's worth, the sixth-highest individual grade of the week went to Raiders safety Jeff Heath, who had a crucial interception in Las Vegas' win over the Chiefs.

--------------------------------------------- Jaylon Smith

#54 LB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 245 lbs College: Notre Dame

9:33 a.m. - The Cowboys linebacker easily had his best game of the season Sunday, recording 12 tackles, a half-sack, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hits against the Giants.

Last week, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan told reporters Smith was playing well and not deserving of the criticism he was taking in the media. Needless to say, he reiterated those sentiments this week after Smith's performance.

"Look, he's played well this year. I know he's taken some hits in the press, but I'm telling you, he's done everything to help this football team win," Nolan said. "He's done a good job. He's worked extremely hard. He's been very receptive to all the things we're trying to do. I say 'all the things' - to anything we're trying to do for that matter, whether it's simply or whatever it might be. And I think he's played well thus far. Now, he did play exceptionally well (Sunday), or maybe exceptional is too big a word. But he did play very well. He made some nice plays on the screen, was very active in the run game, graded very well, but we're very pleased with Jaylon. He's done a very good job."

Smith leads the Cowboys with 52 tackles this season.

--------------------------------------------- Oct. 12 Updates Andy Dalton

#14 QB

Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 lbs College: Texas Christian

6:05 p.m. - As offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said Monday, the team is "heartbroken" over Dak Prescott's ankle injury requiring surgery Sunday night, knowing what Prescott means to the team and how well he played in the first five games of the season.

With Prescott facing a potential four-to-six-month rehab, Moore said the team is in a "fortunate spot" to have a backup with Andy Dalton's experience: 133 starts with the Bengals from 2011-19.

"We've kind of got to regroup, go through this process of seeing what's the adjustment here, and that's just Andy and I working together and spending time together," Moore said. "Obviously it's a different dynamic. Obviously Dak and I have spent a lot of time together over these years and now Andy and I have got to spend time together and go through this process together. I don't think we're going to drastically change. We feel very confident that Andy can go out there and execute football plays and do a good job for us. We'll figure out our plan as we move forward."

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

#4 QB

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

7 a.m. -- The Cowboys announced Monday morning that Dak Prescott's ankle surgery was successfully completed Sunday night, and he is expected to be released from the hospital Monday.

Prescott suffered a right ankle compound fracture and dislocation in the third quarter of the Cowboys' win over the Giants. The injury was splinted with a sterile dressing, and he was transported to a local hospital for surgery to wash out the wound and fix the fracture.

In a statement on Prescott's injury Sunday night, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said, "He is an inspiration to everyone he touches. He has all of our love and support. And we have no doubt that he will return to the position of leadership and purpose that he brings to our team."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 11 Updates Trysten Hill

#72 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: UCF

8:08 p.m. - Second-year defensive tackle Trysten Hill was carted off with a right knee injury in the third quarter of the Cowboys' win over the Giants.

The Cowboys announced Hill has a knee sprain and will undergo an MRI and further evaluation Monday.

Hill, a second-round draft pick in 2019, has started the first five games at defensive tackle after earning a starting job in training camp following a season-ending quad injury to Gerald McCoy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Anthony Brown

#30 CB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 196 lbs College: Purdue

7:22 p.m. - Anthony Brown returned to the field after three weeks. He returned to the end zone after about eight years.

The cornerback missed three straight games with a rib injury before playing on Sunday against the Giants. And in the second quarter, Brown scooped up a fumble for his first NFL touchdown. It was also the first touchdown since his high school days.

"That was the perfect bounce. I was blitzing the whole way," Brown said. "D-Law just had a good strip sack and then had a good bounce to me and then I just had to finish the job really." That was my first touchdown in the league. Well I had one two years ago but it got called back."

Tyler Biadasz

#63 C

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

7:11 p.m. - While he's certainly played plenty of snaps already, Biadasz made his first start of his career in place of Joe Looney. The rookie from Wisconsin said the full week of reps made a difference and he felt even more prepared.

And for the first time in three weeks, the entire O-line stayed intact for the game as both tackles Terence Steele and Brandon Knight were able to stay in the game, as well as the interior linemen.

Biadasz took the blame on the fumble with Andy Dalton. "I was a little early, it was on me. You've got to lock into who's in the game...I'm gonna get better at it and we're going to take a lot more reps this week at it and fix it."

Cedrick Wilson

#11 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Boise State

6:33 p.m. - Cedrick Wilson has proven that he is a worthy receiver on this team filled with playmakers. But he also showed off his arm, tossing a touchdown pass to Dak Prescott just before halftime.

Wilson, who had four catches for 22 yards, became the first non-quarterback throw a TD pass for the Cowboys since 2016 when Dez Bryant connected with Jason Witten for a score against Detroit.

Wilson said he's "always throwing" in practice and the coaches were aware that he once threw a TD at Boise State and played quarterback in high school.

Dak Prescott

#4 QB

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

5:45 p.m. - Quarterback Dak Prescott left the AT&T Stadium field on a medical cart after suffering a serious right ankle injury in the third quarter against the Giants.

Prescott landed awkwardly after getting tackled on a 9-yard run into the Giants' red zone. He has been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. The exact injury and severity is not yet known.

After being attended to by team medical and athletic training staff, Prescott hopped onto the cart and was consoled by teammates and coaches. Visibly emotional, he acknowledged the large ovation from the home crowd.

Backup Andy Dalton replaced Prescott at quarterback. Three plays after Prescott's injury, running back Ezekiel Elliott charged into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown to give Dallas a 31-23 lead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Anthony Brown

#30 CB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 196 lbs College: Purdue

2:03 p.m. - The Cowboys released their five inactive players for Week 5 with little in the way of surprises.

Ninety minutes prior to kickoff, the team announced that Ben DiNucci, Malik Turner, Saivion Smith, Reggie Robinson and Rashad Smith would all sit out of Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

It's a pretty straightforward list. With so many injuries along the offensive line, the Cowboys elevated all of their available offensive linemen to active status. Anthony Brown will also play Sunday after returning from injured reserve, which lessens the needs for more defensive backs.

After sitting out the last two weeks, rookie defensive tackle Neville Gallimore will be active on Sunday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Amari Cooper

#19 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 lbs College: Alabama

2:02 p.m. -- Cowboys captains for their Week 5 matchup against the Giants:

WR Amari Cooper (offense)

DL Tyrone Crawford (defense)

S Darian Thompson (special teams)

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Mike Nolan

Defensive Coordinator

12:05 p.m. - Veteran defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who has coached the first four games this season from the coaching booth, is expected to move down to the sideline for Sunday's game with the Giants.

The Cowboys are allowing 36.5 points per game, which is last in the NFL. And in the last three weeks, the defense has given up 39, 38 and 49 points, forcing the team to make any kind of changes possible to turn the tide.

Nolan has coached for over 25 years with nine different teams, including Sunday's opponent. His first defensive coordinator position was with the Giants in 1993.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 10 Updates Anthony Brown

#30 CB

Height: 5-11 Weight: 196 lbs College: Purdue

11:44 a.m. - Making roster moves on Saturday afternoon has been the norm this season and the Cowboys had a few more this week including Anthony Brown being moved from IR to the active roster. The cornerback has missed three games with a rib injury but is expected to return to the lineup for a defense that has allowed 42 points per game the last three weeks.

Along with Brown, the Cowboys signed linebacker Francis Bernard from the practice squad to the roster.

The Cowboys also elevated center Marcus Henry and defensive back Stephen Parker from the practice squad this week. Those two will revert back to the practice squad following the game.

The Cowboys entered the day with 51 players on the roster, before placing both Joe Looney and Tyron Smith on injured reserve. While Smith needs neck surgery and will miss the entire season, Looney (sprained MCL) could return after three weeks.

By adding Bernard and Brown, and elevating Parker and Henry, the Cowboys enter Sunday's game with the Giants with 53 on the roster.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 9 Updates Amari Cooper

#19 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 lbs College: Alabama

4:41 p.m. - Before the season started, Amari Cooper said he was hoping the addition of CeeDee Lamb would result in having three 1,000-yard receivers, along with Michael Gallup and himself.

So far, through four games, all three are on pace to surpass 1,000 yards, including Cooper, who would top 1,600 yards if he keeps up this pace of 100.1 yards per game.

When asked Friday if teams are playing them any different because of the success, Cooper said he he's not seeing it. He also added the offensive success hasn't translated to many wins, which has to change.

"I don't know. I haven't seen them try to take one guy away and what not from the couple of games that we've played," Cooper said. "I would just say that defenses come in and play all the weapons that we have so they don't just key on one guy. But, yeah, Dak has done a great job of finding his weapons and stuff like that. Obviously none of it has resulted in a win. So, obviously, it's what we got to do on offense to try to get those wins."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Leighton Vander Esch

#55 LB

Height: 6-4 Weight: 256 lbs College: Boise State

3:10 p.m. - For now, Leighton Vander Esch remains on the Reserve/Injured list coming off his September collarbone surgery, but the third-year linebacker has started the 21-day practice window for IR players who are pointing toward a return to the active roster.

Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy anticipated that Vander Esch would do a little more in the padded practice and see how things went.

"I liked the way he practiced yesterday, so it was good to have him out there," McCarthy said Friday morning. "Frankly, I haven't spoken to him yet just to see how he came out of the practice. We don't have pads on tomorrow; it's more of a helmets practice.

"But the thought is to maybe crank it up more next week, especially with the extra day of preparation going into the Monday night game (Oct. 19 vs. Arizona). We'll see how far along we are."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe Looney

#73 C

Height: 6-3 Weight: 315 lbs College: Wake Forest

3:09 p.m. -- As expected, center Joe Looney has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Giants with a sprained knee that might sideline him for a couple weeks or so.

Left tackle Tyron Smith has been ruled out for Week 5 too, of course, after head coach Mike McCarthy announced Friday morning that Smith will undergo season-ending neck surgery next week.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs (shoulder/knee) and defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence (knee), Tyrone Crawford (ankle) and Dorance Armstrong (knee) should be ready for Sunday. Their game status is not in question, according to Friday's injury report.

Click here for the full injury report for Cowboys-Giants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Terence Steele

#78 T

Height: 6-6 Weight: 310 lbs College: Texas Tech

11:22 a.m. - Rookie tackle Terence Steele has started all four games this season at right tackle, and although he was benched last week in the middle of the game, he is still a candidate to start again on the right side Sunday vs. New York.

With Tyron Smith out for the rest of the season, it's expected that Brandon Knight would slide over to the left side. That opens the door again for Steele, who rotated on the right side this week with newly-acquired tackles Greg Senat and Jordan Mills.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said he's seen improvement in Steele this week.

"He's had a better week of practice," McCarthy said in his Friday press conference. "Last week, he had some challenges and then obviously the way the game went Sunday, so, I like the way he's bounced back. He's a hard worker, very consistent. I really like his personality. He's the same individual, same player, same guy every single day. So, I would definitely categorize him as having a better practice week so far this week than last week."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 8 Updates Dak Prescott

#4 QB

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

2:43 p.m. - A month into the season, the Cowboys' offensive line continues to battle through injury after injury.

Starting right tackle La'el Collins is on injured reserve with a hip issue. Starting center Joe Looney has a sprained knee. And now starting left tackle Tyron Smith is not practicing again this week with a neck injury that has already sidelined him two games.

But quarterback Dak Prescott says he has confidence in the line's depth. Rookies Terence Steele and Tyler Biadasz and second-year lineman Brandon Knight have all played extensive snaps due to the issues mentioned above, and the Cowboys have the highest-ranked offense despite the constant shuffling.

"These are professional athletes and these are NFL offensive linemen we're talking about," Prescott said Thursday, "so I've got confidence that they can do the job, or they simply wouldn't be out there and they wouldn't be on this team being asked to do that.

"Obviously you can't replace some of the guys we have on this team and some of our original starters, but I have a lot of confidence that the coaches and the people in the front office make the right decisions putting these people here. Not only that, I see the way these young guys come in and practice and prepare. For me, it's about instilling confidence and allowing them to know that I trust them, I believe in them and I'll go to war with them."

Despite their 1-3 record, the Cowboys are averaging the third-most points per game at 31.5.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorance Armstrong

#92 DE

Height: 6-4 Weight: 255 lbs College: Kansas

2:41 p.m. -- The Cowboys' injury report Thursday has two changes from Wednesday: defensive linemen Tyrone Crawford (ankle) and Dorance Armstrong (knee) were able to return to practice on a limited basis.

Click here for the full injury report for the Week 5 matchup between the Cowboys and Giants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 7 Updates Tyron Smith

#77 T

Height: 6-5 Weight: 320 lbs College: USC

2:47 p.m. - Four Cowboys players did not practice Wednesday: left tackle Tyron Smith (neck), defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford (ankle), defensive end Dorance Armstrong (knee) and center Joe Looney (knee).

Looney is expected to miss a little time with a sprained knee. Smith played all 82 snaps against the Browns in his return from a neck injury, so the Cowboys could be trying to manage his workload again this week leading up to the Giants game Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (shoulder/knee) are on the injury report again this week but had a full practice.

Click here for the full injury report for Cowboys-Giants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 6 Updates Brandon Carr

#39 CB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 lbs College: Grand Valley State

1:47 p.m. - The Cowboys continued to make roster tweaks Tuesday, releasing backup defensive back Brandon Carr and offensive tackle Alex Light.

The club also signed offensive tackle Greg Senat to the active roster off the Browns' practice squad and added offensive tackle William Sweet to the practice squad.

Carr, a 12-year veteran, was signed to the practice squad after final cuts and later signed to the active roster, but he only played 21 snaps in the first four games despite the Cowboys' injuries in the secondary.

The club is currently at 51 players on the 53-man roster but could be hoping to get injured cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) back soon. Brown was placed on Reserve/Injured on Sept. 19, the day before the Week 2 game against Atlanta. Players must spend a minimum of three weeks on IR before being eligible to return.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 5 Updates Darian Thompson

#23 S

Height: 6-2 Weight: 211 lbs College: Boise State

6:31 p.m. - Darian Thompson made his fourth straight start at strong safety Sunday, but Donovan Wilson replaced him in the lineup after the Browns' opening 37-yard touchdown pass from Jarvis Landry to Odell Beckham Jr.

Wilson, a sixth-round draft pick last year, played 70 snaps and finished the game alongside free safety Xavier Woods.

"We had that big play that D.T. was beat on back to the post corner, on the reverse pass. We just felt like, I think it hit D.T. from a range category, so we gave Dono a chance," defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said. "Dono has been practicing well and he's been getting a lot of time in practice but not much time during the game, so we felt it was an opportunity to spell D.T. We really weren't planning on having it be the rest of the ballgame, but as time went along we thought Dono was doing a decent job, so we decided to keep him in there and he ended up finishing the game."

Nolan didn't speculate whether Wilson would stay in the starting lineup this Sunday against the Giants.

"That's something we still need to discuss," Nolan said. "But I haven't lost any faith in DT. I think he's a good player, he's a guy that's on board, he works extremely hard, smart guy. We're still good with him."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12:52 p.m. - The criticism over Sunday's 49-38 home loss to Cleveland and 1-3 record is rampant Monday. Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones understands it.

That said, the organization is still confident things can get turned around in the second quarter of the season.

"We deserve all the criticism we're getting," Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Monday. "But we believe we have a really good football team. We're convicted in this team. We believe we have really good football players, and I believe we've got a really good staff, too."

Jones agreed with head coach Mike McCarthy's post-game comments that the team isn't playing a winning formula with a league-worst minus-7 turnover ratio after four games. Two offensive turnovers Sunday led to 14 Browns points, making a rough day for the defense worse.

"I just think all the way around, when you're playing the type of football we're playing right, there's no need to point a finger at any one thing. We've all got to be better," Jones said.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 4 Updates Ezekiel Elliott

#21 RB

Height: 6-0 Weight: 228 lbs College: Ohio State

5:51 p.m. - Last week in Seattle, Ezekiel Elliott had some critical drops in the passing game. This week, it was another fumble in the open field when the Cowboys were down by a touchdown before halftime. It's actually the second lost fumble of the season for Elliott.

"Its terrible to turn over the ball. We've been turning it over too much. Me, myself specifically,

Zeke said. "Just have more focus and hold on to it. But I mean, anytime you give the ball up ... is never good."

Elliott finished with just 54 rushing yards but had eight catches for 71 yards.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Trysten Hill

#72 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: UCF

5:32 p.m. - While Hill was visibly dejected following Sunday's loss to the Browns, who racked up 307 rushing yards, it was his first media session since being fined by the NFL for two hits last week, including a tackle on Seattle running back Chris Carson, who suffered a sprained knee.

"I have never had any intention to hurt him. If I could go back, I wish I could [have] made a totally different tackle, a totally different play," Hill said. "I was just focused on this week. I talked to my coaches about it and we figured we had it handled, and I was just looking forward to this game today."

Hill was credited for three tackles, including one for loss.

"Hats off to them. They came in and played a good game," Hill said of the Browns. "We're going to get back in the film room, get back in the lab and get back to work. That's all you can do."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Donovan Wilson

#37 S

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

5:26 p.m. - The second-year safety entered the game in the first quarter after the Cowboys decide to pull starter Darian Thompson, who gave up a long touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr.

Wilson didn't exactly cause a turnaround, but at least shored up some of the deep-ball passing. However, Cleveland was able to rack up most of its yards on the ground, rushing for over 300.

Wilson, a sixth-round pick from Texas A&M last year, finished the game with 10 tackles, a sack and one tackle for loss.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Amari Cooper

#19 WR

Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 lbs College: Alabama

5:11 p.m. - While most of his yardage occurred in the second half as the Cowboys were desperately trying to get back in the game, Cooper became just the fourth wide receiver, and seventh player overall in franchise history to have 12 receptions in a game.

Cooper finished the game with 12 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. That ties his career high of 12 receptions he set in 2016 with the Raiders. The dozen catches is the most since he joined the Cowboys, surpassing the 11 receptions he had last season in a loss to the Packers.

In the five games in which Cooper has had at least 10 catches with the Cowboys, they are just 1-4.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tyron Smith

#77 T

Height: 6-5 Weight: 320 lbs College: USC

10:34 a.m. - Starting left tackle Tyron Smith is officially active against Cleveland after missing the previous two games with a neck injury.

Smith was listed as questionable on Friday, but the Cowboys felt optimistic about his return. He went through an early warmup in pre-game here at AT&T Stadium.

Inactives for the Cowboys today are quarterback Ben DiNucci, safety Reggie Robinson, linebacker Rashad Smith, offensive tackle Alex Light and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 3 Updates Trysten Hill

#72 DT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs College: UCF

3:21 p.m. - Defensive tackle Trysten Hill has been fined over $13,000 by the NFL for two separate plays in last week's game in Seattle.

Hill got fined $6,522 for his tackle on Seattle running back Chris Carson in last week's game. Hill used a "gator roll" tackle on Carson, who ended up leaving the game with a sprained knee that will keep him out this week.

While the Seahawks players and coaches have openly expressed their frustration with Hill on the play, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy adamantly claimed there was "no intent" by Hill to hurt Carson.

Hill was not flagged for that tackle, but was called for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Russell Wilson later in the game. That play also netted a $6,522 fine for Hill, who has been starting in the middle for the Cowboys at defensive tackle this season.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Francis Bernard

#44 LB

Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 lbs College: Utah

12:58 p.m. - The Cowboys elevated rookie linebacker Francis Bernard to the active roster ahead of Sunday's home game against Cleveland.

Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players each week the day before the game with the players moving back to the practice squad the day after the game. This is Bernard's first call-up of the season. The undrafted rookie out of Utah had a solid training camp and was signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 2 Updates Trevon Diggs

#27 CB

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

4:08 p.m. -- Left tackle Tyron Smith (neck) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (shoulder/knee) are officially listed as questionable for Sunday's home game against Cleveland. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but his game status is not in question, per the official injury report.

Friday morning on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones sounded optimistic that all three players will be available Sunday.

"We all know that we do have several days here before kickoff and it's subject to that," Jones said. "But it's certainly looking like we're going to have them available. It can be a game-time decision. But it is looking that way."

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cedrick Wilson

#11 WR

Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs College: Boise State

Injuries limited WR Cedrick Wilson's time on the field his first two years, but he capitalized on his chances against Seattle with a career-high two touchdown catches.

The Cowboys have a deep wide receiver group led by Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and rookie CeeDee Lamb. But the coaching staff has shown faith in Wilson and Noah Brown as part of the in-game rotation.

"I think just being in the same system for these three years," said Wilson, a sixth-round pick out of Boise State in 2018. "Just learning it when I got here and now getting a chance to learn all the fine details and why we do certain things, which is allowing me to play a lot faster and giving me the comfortability to see what (quarterback) Dak (Prescott) sees and being in tune with him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 1 Updates Trevon Diggs

#27 CB

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

4:00 p.m. - Trevon Diggs spent most of last week on the injury report but still managed to play in Seattle. The Cowboys are hoping that will be the case again for the rookie cornerback, who was limited in Thursday's practice with both a shoulder and knee issue.

Diggs, who has started the last three games, has had his expected share of ups and downs while trying to figure out how to play on the next level. He'll have his hands full this week with a Cleveland offense that features Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. However, both of those receivers are among 15 Cleveland players on the injury report.

Here's a link to the Cowboys-Browns injury report.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- DeMarcus Lawrence

#90 DE

Height: 6-3 Weight: 265 lbs College: Boise State

11:19 a.m. - Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) is expected to focus on rehab work again during Thursday's practice, but head coach Mike McCarthy didn't sound concerned about Lawrence's availability Sunday against Cleveland.

"He'll take very little (reps) if any today," McCarthy said. "But I don't think he's in jeopardy. I anticipate him to kind of go through the week like he did last week. So we'll see what today brings."

Lawrence did not practice Wednesday. The Cowboys managed Lawrence's work last week and he started against Seattle in Week 3, though only for 31 defensive snaps.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sept. 30 Updates Tyron Smith

#77 T

Height: 6-5 Weight: 320 lbs College: USC

3:06 p.m. - Tyron Smith made progress in his recovery from a neck injury by doing some individual work Wednesday, but officially he did not participate in practice.

It's now been two weeks since the Pro Bowl left tackle practiced, but the Cowboys are optimistic he's getting closer to a return.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (knee) did not practice Wednesday, and cornerback Trevon Diggs (shoulder/knee) was a full participant.

Click here for the full injury report for Cowboys-Browns.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tyron Smith

#77 T

Height: 6-5 Weight: 320 lbs College: USC

12:14 p.m. - After missing two straight games with a neck injury, Tyron Smith appears to have a better shot at playing this week against the Browns.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy said Smith would work back into practice, starting today with individual drills. The hope is to get him some reps in the team period by Thursday.

Smith, a seven-time Pro Bowler, worked out before the Seattle game last Sunday but was ruled inactive.

The Cowboys played Brandon Knight on the left side in place of Smith. Knight is a candidate, along with rookie Terrence Steele, to start on the right side if Smith returns.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was not practicing during the open portion Wednesday. Listed as questionable to play in Week 3 due to a knee injury, Lawrence started against Seattle but played just 31 snaps.

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