Tag: Dallas

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Cowboys promote OC Brian Schottenheimer to head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Brian Schottenheimer has not been a head coach at any level, but Dallas’ offensive coordinator agreed to terms on Friday to replace Mike McCarthy and become the 10th head coach in Cowboys history.

The son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, Brian Schottenheimer served as an assistant under McCarthy the past three seasons. He joined the Cowboys as an analyst in 2022 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023 when Kellen Moore was fired.

Moore, currently the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, was also in the running to succeed McCarthy and participated in a virtual interview last week.

Schottenheimer, 51, also beat out former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Seattle Seahawks assistant Leslie Frazier, who interviewed for the role. Saleh was hired on Friday as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator.

Schottenheimer is the third Dallas assistant to be promoted to head coach under team owner Jerry Jones, joining Dave Campo and Jason Garrett.

The Cowboys have favored offensive coaches under Jones, who hired McCarthy in 2020 to replace Garrett. Garrett was head coach in Dallas from 2010-19. He took over for Wade Phillips, who spent most of 3 1/2 seasons as coach after following Bill Parcells.

Schottenheimer has been an NFL assistant for more than 25 years. He did not hold play-calling responsibilities with the Cowboys under McCarthy.

McCarthy broke into the NFL in 1993 as a quality control coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, working for Marty Schottenheimer. In 1998, Brian Schottenheimer became an offensive assistant on the same coaching staff.

–Field Level Media

A plow waits at a stop light. Texas could be hit with up to six inches of snow before the Cotton Bowl is played in Arlington on Friday.

Winter storm targets North Texas; Cotton Bowl officials on alert

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A winter storm barreling down on North Texas could cause havoc days before the Cotton Bowl on Friday.

The College Football Playoff semifinal game between Texas and Ohio State has officials in Arlington, Texas, concerned about traffic and safety because of the amount of snowfall — between four and six inches — projected to land in the area. Weather Channel said the annual average snowfall for Arlington, Texas, is just over 1.5 inches meaning about four times the annual amount could be on the ground to potentially clog roadways and challenge the energy grid.

A similar timeline played out in 2011 when the Super Bowl was held at AT&T Stadium.

This week, meteorologists are calling for up to six inches of total accumulation beginning Wednesday night in Dallas-Fort Worth and a winter storm watch has been issued starting Thursday at midnight Central through 6 p.m. Friday. The Cotton Bowl is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff local time.

“We are routinely monitoring weather reports and we are in close contact with AT&T Stadium and local officials,” a Cotton Bowl official said in a statement. “We always have plans for inclement weather. Should conditions warrant it, we will communicate to everyone attending and connected with this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.”

Areas from Little Rock, Ark., to Memphis, Tenn., and further south of Arlington all are on high alert with the impact of the storm shifting from possible freezing rain to snow.

Once fans reach the stadium, the environment in the indoor venue offers temperature-controlled comfort for the playoff game.

Friday’s forecast calls for highs near 34 degrees near the stadium.

Kevin Oden, the director of emergency management and crisis response in Dallas, said the “priority is ensuring safe travel for the teams and their fans visiting Dallas in the Metroplex.”

Parts of North Texas measured four inches of snowfall on game week during the Super Bowl in 2011. Since that event was held, the Dallas Cowboys installed ice guards designed to block melting snow and ice from falling on the walkways and parking areas below.

The single-event record for snowfall in Dallas was 12.45 inches on Feb. 11-12, 2010.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Reports: Bears request to interview Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy

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While Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy waits on his future with the team as his contract nears expiration, he could have another suitor in the Chicago Bears, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The Bears, who have a head coaching vacancy, have made formal requests to interview a list of current NFL assistants and one employed head coach in McCarthy, reports said.

ESPN reported that the Cowboys have yet to respond to the request for McCarthy, who completed his fifth season at the helm with Dallas missing the playoffs at 7-10. He is 49-35 in the regular season and 1-3 in the postseason.

His contract expires Wednesday with the Cowboys having exclusive negotiating rights through Jan. 14, ESPN reported.

McCarthy, 61, said he wants to return to Dallas while owner Jerry Jones has not committed to retaining him.

“I don’t know that I am considering making a change is really what I’m trying to say,” Jones said Sunday after the season finale, a home loss to the Washington Commanders. “Mike’s one of the best coaches that I think there is. He was made the coach here because I thought that, and he’s done absolutely nothing to diminish my opinion of him as a coach.”

McCarthy said he has a lot invested in the Cowboys, and the organization has a lot invested in him.

“And then there’s a personal side to all these decisions,” McCarthy said after Sunday’s game. “They all point the right direction. I think anytime you invest your time, energy, your belief, the connection you have, the relationships that are in place here, the understanding of what the organization can do and is willing to do, those are all positive attributes that you take into account.

“But, you know, absolutely, I’m a builder. I believe in building programs,” he continued. “I believe in developing young players. So, at the end of day, it is about winning, and you have to have those components in place to get this thing where it needs to be. I think we have a very good foundation here.”

McCarthy was head coach of the Green Bay Packers for nearly 13 full seasons (2006-18), getting fired after Week 13 in 2018. His Packers were 125-77-2 in the regular season and 10-8 in the postseason, including six division titles and the Super Bowl championship in the 2010 season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Report: Cowboys All-Pro LB Micah Parsons (illness) expected to play vs. Bucs

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Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons missed practice Friday because of illness but is expected to play Sunday night against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network reported.

Parsons, who missed four games this season because of a high ankle sprain, showed up on Friday’s injury report and is listed as questionable for the Cowboys (6-8) against the Buccaneers (8-6).

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones mentioned earlier in the week during his appearance on 105.3 The Fan that Parsons was having flu symptoms. Jones said he would be surprised if Parsons didn’t play, however.

Parsons, 25, has 32 tackles (eight for loss), 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in 10 games (all starts) this season.

Dallas selected him 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Penn State. Parsons has 245 tackles (59 for loss), 49 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 60 regular-season games (all starts).

He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 through 2023 and voted first-team All-Pro in his first two NFL seasons.

As for the Buccaneers, the team downgraded tight end Cade Otton from doubtful to out for Sunday night’s game because of a knee injury.

Otton, 25, has started all 14 games for Tampa Bay and has 59 receptions on 87 targets for 600 yards and four touchdowns. The Bucs picked him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Washington. He has 148 catches for 1,446 yards and 10 TDs in 47 regular-season games (42 starts).

–Field Level Media

Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) defends a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Cowboys VP: CB Trevon Diggs likely out until start of ’25 season

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Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is out for the season to undergo knee surgery and might not be ready to suit up until after training camp ends in August 2025, Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones said Monday.

Jones said Diggs, 26, was playing with fluid in his knee and did everything possible to avoid missing Sunday’s game at Carolina and landing back on injured reserve. Diggs was ruled out for the game and didn’t travel with the team to Charlotte, where the Cowboys (6-8) beat the Panthers 30-14.

“He was out there doing everything he can because he wants to play, he wants to compete, he wants to contribute,” Jones said in a radio interview with 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas. “But, unfortunately, he (has) a new injury that has to do with cartilage. It’s certainly a very legitimate injury that’s gonna take him some time to recover from. … I don’t think he’ll be a player during training camp. I think his timeline is going to be right about the start of the season.”

Diggs has 42 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games (all starts) this season.

He tore the ACL in his left knee during a practice before Week 3 last season and played in only two games.

The Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He has 215 tackles, one sack, 63 passes defensed and 20 interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns — in 58 regular-season games (57 starts).

Diggs led the league with 11 picks for 142 yards in 2021, when he made the first of his two Pro Bowl teams and was first-team All-Pro.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) takes the field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Reports: Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs to have season-ending knee surgery

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The Dallas Cowboys ruled out All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs for Sunday’s road game against the Carolina Panthers, with multiple outlets reporting Saturday that he is expected to have season-ending knee surgery.

Diggs, 26, was questionable for the game after returning to action last Monday in a 27-20 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He had missed the previous two games because of groin and knee issues in what has been an injury-marred season.

He has started all 11 games he has played this season and has 42 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

Diggs tore the ACL in his left knee during a practice before Week 3 last season and played in only two games.

The Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He has 215 tackles, one sack, 63 passes defensed and 20 interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns in 58 regular-season games (57 starts).

Diggs led the league with 11 picks for 142 yards in 2021, when he made the first of his two Pro Bowl teams and was first-team All-Pro.

Dallas also placed linebacker DeMarvion Overshown on injured reserve after he tore multiple ligaments in his right knee in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Bengals. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Overshown will require season-ending surgery.

The Cowboys (5-8) on Saturday elevated cornerback Andrew Booth and center Dakoda Shepley from the practice squad to the active roster for the game at Carolina (3-10).

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Cowboys to proceed with Rico Dowdle as lead RB

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Looking for an infusion of energy, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday the team will move forward with Rico Dowdle as the lead running back over Ezekiel Elliott.

The public declaration of moving on from the running-back-by-committee setup confirmed what already was evident, with Dowdle making seven starts this season to two for Elliott. The former undrafted free agent out of South Carolina also leads the team in carries (83) and yards rushing (374).

“Definitely, you have to get him the ball,” McCarthy told reporters about Dowdle. “That’s my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He’s the lead back.”

Without a rushing touchdown this season, Dowdle does have three receiving TDs on 24 catches for 166 yards.

It has been a rough season for the Cowboys, who are just 3-6 and on a four-game losing streak after Sunday’s 34-6 domination by the Philadelphia Eagles. Dowdle’s 53 yards rushing against the Eagles were more than the 45 yards passing from quarterback Cooper Rush on 23 attempts.

Dowdle, 26, is in his fourth NFL season, not counting 2021, which he missed with a hip injury. He was the third-string back in 2022 and was backup to Tony Pollard last season. Elliott, drafted by the Cowboys with the No. 4 overall pick in 2016, spent seven seasons with Dallas before signing a one-year free agent deal with the New England Patriots in 2023.

In his return to the Cowboys in 2024, the 29-year-old Elliott has just 171 yards on 54 carries with two touchdowns.

Dowdle has played in 44 career games since 2020 but did not make a start until this season. He has gained 759 yards rushing with two touchdowns on 179 carries and also has 41 career receptions for 310 yards and five TDs.

The Cowboys host the Houston Texans (6-4) on Monday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Report: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott likely to have season-ending surgery

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Rather than face potential complications by letting Dak Prescott’s partially torn hamstring to heal without surgery, the Dallas Cowboys have decided the star quarterback will have a season-ending procedure, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Per the report, Prescott and the Cowboys are holding off until one more specialist offers an opinion on whether he should undergo surgery. The veteran signal-caller is expected to meet with the specialist early next week in New York. Dallas’ medical staff are on board with the surgery, which would keep him off the field for four months.

If the specialist agrees with the Cowboys’ assessment, Prescott will go under the knife on Wednesday, per the report.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Friday that Prescott would prefer to let the hamstring heal on its own have undergoing multiple surgeries (left shoulder, right thumb, right ankle) over the last few years.

Prescott has not been placed on injured reserve, but he will be inactive Sunday when the Cowboys (3-5) try to snap a three-game losing streak against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) because of a partial avulsion of his hamstring. ESPN reported that even without surgery, Prescott will need six to eight weeks to recover.

Prescott, 31, got hurt while scrambling during the third quarter of Dallas’ 27-21 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Cooper Rush took over at quarterback, and he will be the starter during Prescott’s absence, backed up by Trey Lance.

Players are required to miss at least the next four games when placed on injured reserve. After hosting the Eagles on Sunday and the Houston Texans on Monday, Nov. 18, Dallas plays games at the Washington Commanders on Nov. 24 and at home against the New York Giants on Thursday, Nov. 28.

Prescott, had he been placed on IR by Saturday, would have been eligible to be added back to the active roster for the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Dec. 9.

The Cowboys did make moves on Saturday, elevating cornerback Josh Butler and wide receiver Jalen Cropper from the practice squad to the active roster.

Prescott owns the NFL’s richest contract, with a guarantee of $230 million in a deal that runs through 2030. In nine years as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, he has a 76-46 regular-season record but a 2-5 postseason record, having never guided Dallas to a conference final.

This season, Prescott has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

For his career, the three-time Pro Bowl performer has a 66.8 percent completion rate for 31,437 yards and 213 TD passes with 82 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) leaves the game with an injury against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Cowboys star WR CeeDee Lamb injures right shoulder

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Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has an injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder, the team said after the 27-21 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons. ESPN reported that Lamb will undergo an MRI on Monday.

Lamb, 25, played with the injury, which could be a sprain, after landing hard on his shoulder making a catch in the second quarter. He stayed in the game but again fell on the shoulder diving for a pass from Cooper Rush to the end zone with 5:26 left in the fourth quarter and Atlanta ahead 27-13.

He was in the game for a two-point conversion pass from Rush for the final points of the game with 1:28 remaining.

Lamb said after the game that he plans to play next week against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, according to media reports. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he was “hopeful” that Lamb could play next week and doesn’t believe it’s a long-term injury.

Lamb made eight catches for 47 yards on Sunday, bringing his season totals to 53 receptions for 660 yards and four touchdowns. He also had two carries for 15 yards against the Falcons.

Dallas selected Lamb out of Oklahoma with the 17th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lamb has been selected to the Pro Bowl the past three seasons, and in 2023 he was voted first-team All-Pro when he had a league-high 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed 14 times for 113 yards and two TDs.

He has played in 74 games (69 starts) and totaled 448 receptions for 5,805 yards and 36 TDs.

In August, he signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension includes a $38 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed, according to reports.

–Field Level Media

Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) injured in the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Cowboys All-Pro Micah Parsons (ankle) likely out vs. Falcons

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Dallas Cowboys All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game because of a high ankle sprain, coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday.

Parsons has not practiced since injuring his ankle in the fourth quarter of the 20-15 win over the host New York Giants on Sept. 26.

The Cowboys (3-4), who visit the Atlanta Falcons (5-3) on Sunday, did not place Parsons on injured reserve, which would have required missing at least four games.

Dallas has been waiting for Parsons to clear the ramp-up process through Britt Brown, the team’s associate athletic trainer and director of rehabilitation.

“(Parsons is) here. He’s in the meetings. Until they clear the return to play with Britt, I really don’t even entertain that thought,” McCarthy said Thursday. “So, he’s not quite there yet.”

Parsons, 25, was a two-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection with 40.5 sacks over his first three seasons from 2021-23. He has 14 tackles and one sack in four starts this season.

“He’s an impact player,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “Where he is in the rehab, he’s making gains each week. He’s been in every day. He’s just not ready to get into the practice format. But yeah, definitely missed him.”

The coach said Parsons would be in the rehab group at practice on Thursday and likely will be joined by cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed practice on Wednesday with a calf injury.

–Field Level Media