Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys activate All-Pro T Tyron Smith

The Dallas Cowboys moved eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith to the active roster on Saturday, making him available for the team’s game with the Jaguars in Jacksonville Sunday.

Smith, 32, had missed every game this season after sustaining an avulsion fracture of his left knee (a hamstring tendon injury) that required surgery in August. He was designated to return from injured reserve on Dec. 7.

Primarily a left tackle throughout his career, the two-time All-Pro could slide to the other side on Sunday, as right tackle Terence Steele was recently shelved with an ACL injury.

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones acknowledged as much on a local radio station (105.3, The Fan) this week, saying Smith, who played right tackle as a rookie in 2011, has the ability to do so again.

“Absolutely he does. Yes, sir. It’s like riding a bicycle,” Jones said.

Smith has started all 144 games he has played in since joining Dallas as the No. 9 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

He missed just one game during his first five seasons in the league, then an average of three games a year over his next four seasons. Neck surgery caused him to miss all but two games in 2020 and then a variety of ailments (COVID, ankle) limited him to 11 games in 2021.

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) scrambles for a first down in the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cooper Rush, Cowboys improve to 3-1 by beating Commanders

Cooper Rush threw for two touchdowns, Brett Maher connected on four field goals and the Dallas Cowboys’ defense stifled the Washington Commanders in a 25-10 win Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

Rush completed 15 of 27 passes for 223 yards and became the first quarterback in Cowboys history to win his first four starts. He played error-free football on a day where neither team gained 300 total yards.

Rush’s 30-yard scoring strike to CeeDee Lamb on the first play of the fourth quarter gave Dallas (3-1) the breathing room it needed in what was a tight game for three quarters. Maher added a 29-yard field goal with 3:51 remaining.

Carson Wentz completed 25 of 42 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Washington (1-3), which lost its third straight game after a Week 1 win over Jacksonville.

The Commanders went with a conservative game plan, trying to protect Wentz and a shaky offensive line. After giving up nine sacks last week in a 24-8 loss to Philadelphia, Washington stuck with short passes and the running game in order to neutralize the Cowboys’ pass rush.

That plan worked for a while, as the Commanders mined a field-position advantage to keep Dallas out of the end zone most of the first half. When Wentz found Jahan Dotson for a 10-yard scoring strike at the 7:05 mark of the second quarter, Washington took a 7-6 edge.

At that point, the Cowboys came up with their best drive of the game. They went 75 yards in 15 plays, using up 6:01. Rush paid it off by hitting Michael Gallup for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 1:04 left in the half.

Maher started the scoring with a 53-yard field goal on the game’s first drive and also converted from 45 yards to begin the second quarter. He added a 28-yard field goal at the 4:56 mark of the third quarter.

The Commanders were often their own worst enemy, committing 11 penalties for a whopping 136 yards.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;  New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) celebrates a turnouver by the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Giants bucking recent trends, take aim at Cowboys

The New York Giants will aim for their first 3-0 start since 2009 when they face the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC East battle on Monday night at East Rutherford, N.J.

New coach Brian Daboll guided New York to consecutive wins to start a season for the first time since 2016. The Giants didn’t crumble in the close games, winning by a total of four points.

“Yeah, the guys that we have on our team aren’t afraid of failure,” third-year safety Xavier McKinney told reporters. “We’ve been at the bottom. So we experienced all that. We’re not worried about messing up. … We’re going to have a breakthrough at some point.”

It’s too soon to discuss breakthroughs, but the contest with the Cowboys (1-1) will be another litmus test even with Dallas star quarterback Dak Prescott out with his fractured right thumb.

That’s because the Giants have dropped nine of their last 10 meetings with Dallas, including both matchups last season.

New York needs to change that trend and also figure out how to keep Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons under control.

Parsons is tied for the NFL lead with four sacks after having two in each of Dallas’ games this season. The second-year pro has recorded 17 in just 18 career games.

“He’s a problem,” Daboll said. “He’s a dynamic football player. And he can play multiple spots. He does. You’ll see him at linebacker; you’ll see him at defensive end. He has rare pass-rush ability. We’re going to have to have a good plan for him.

“He’s fun to watch when you’re not getting ready to play him. I’ll give him that compliment. He just does things that are pretty impressive on the football field.”

Parsons and his teammates combined for six sacks while beating the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 last week.

The Cowboys kept pressure on Bengals star Joe Burrow all game long during the impressive win.

“One lion can’t do it by himself,” Parsons said. “It’s just like when 10 hyenas go after one lion, the lion is liable to lose. The fact that I’ve got 10 other guys that I feel that I can rely on, that’s what makes this boat go ’round.”

However, Parsons missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. Owner Jerry Jones said Parsons returned negative results for COVID-19 and the flu.

Meanwhile, the Dallas offense ranks 31st in the NFL at 11.5 points per game.

Cooper Rush started in place of Prescott against the Bengals and completed 19 of 31 passes for 235 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Most importantly, he guided the Cowboys to Brett Maher’s decisive 50-yard field goal as time expired.

“That’s Cooper Rush — we see that every day,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “He’s the same, he is so steady (in his) personality type. He never blinks.”

Rush is 2-0 in his career as a starter. He passed for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while leading Dallas to a win over the Minnesota Vikings last season when Prescott was sidelined.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has passed for 364 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Star running back Saquon Barkley has a league-leading 236 rushing yards.

New York rookie edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) could make his debut. The fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft was limited in Thursday’s practice.

Giants defensive end Azeez Ojulari (calf) also is hopeful of making his season debut. He was limited Thursday, as was receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

Defensive tackle Leonard Williams (knee) and cornerback Aaron Robinson (appendix) didn’t practice. Also missing practice were defensive backs Justin Layne (concussion) and Nick McCloud (hamstring) and receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee).

Dallas tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) was injured against the Bengals and sat out Thursday’s practice. Also sitting out were safety Jayron Kearse (knee) and guard Connor McGovern (ankle).

–Field Level Media

September 22, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Terrell Owens before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer Terrell Owens scores touchdown at 48

The Fan Controlled Football League, an indoor football league that allows fans to call plays, saw a Pro Football Hall of Famer score a touchdown on Saturday … at the age of 48.

Terrell Owens, who concluded a Hall of Fame career in 2010, scored a touchdown reception 12 years later on a jump ball for the Zappers.

The league announced Owens would join former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel as a member of the Zappers on Thursday.

“I’m happy to be part of a league that is redefining the game and bringing a level of fan interaction to sports that has never been done before,” Owens said in a league press release. “I’m pumped to have fans dial up the plays for me and will see you all on April 16!”

Owens was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All Pro over a 15-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

He finished his NFL tenure with 1,078 receptions (eighth all-time) for 15,934 yards (third all-time) and 153 touchdowns (also third all-time).

–Field Level Media

Jul 22, 2021; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph (24) during training camp practice at the Marriott Residence Inn. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Arrests made in Dallas homicide with link to Cowboys’ Kelvin Joseph

Police in Dallas arrested two men on Saturday in connection with a homicide about which Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph was questioned.

Joseph was interviewed Friday afternoon at the office of his attorney about the shooting death of Cameron Ray, 20, on March 18 in the city’s Lower Greenville district.

Joseph’s attorney, Barry Sorrels, told multiple outlets earlier that Joseph was a passenger in a vehicle from which someone fired gunshots, but that the 22-year-old did not commit a crime.

Dallas police announced the arrests of Aries Jones, 28, and Tivione English, 21, of Baton Rouge, La., in connection with the homicide.

Joseph is from Baton Rouge and played at LSU before transferring to Kentucky.

Dallas police released a surveillance video that showed an altercation between two groups of friends — with Joseph in one group and Ray in another. Shots later were fired from an SUV toward Ray and his friends, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Police reported to the site of the shooting in the 3600 block of Greenville Avenue and found Ray, who had been shot in the head. He died at a local hospital.

The Cowboys issued a statement Friday.

“The Dallas Cowboys are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in Dallas on March 18,” the statement read. “First and foremost, our hearts go out to Mr. Ray’s family and loved ones. The organization is aware of Kelvin Joseph’s possible connection to this incident. We are in contact with Dallas law enforcement and have alerted the NFL office. We have no further comment at this time.”

The Cowboys selected Joseph with the 44th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

He appeared in 10 games (two starts) for the Cowboys last season, recording 16 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

–Field Level Media

Nov 7, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy argues a blocked punt call in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy declares Dallas ‘will win’ in Washington

While guaranteeing road wins in the division is a rare position for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, he appeared to loft such a pledge Thursday in his return from COVID-19 quarantine.

“We’re going to win this game. I’m confident in that,” McCarthy said as Dallas prepares to play at Washington (6-6) on Sunday.

The Cowboys (8-4) face the Washington Football Team twice in the next three weeks. To bring some of his younger players up to speed on what’s at stake and the history behind the hatred of Washington’s franchise, McCarthy said he showed the full squad a compilation video that spells out very clearly the importance of winning in Week 14.

Dallas cannot clinch the division title on Sunday. But a win, going to 9-4 and dropping Washington to 6-7 in the standings, would grant the Cowboys breathing room in a tightly packed playoff chase where home-field advantage remains a possibility.

When asked if he was guaranteeing the NFC East road victory over the Cowboys’ rival, McCarthy said winning is the franchise expectation.

“What am I supposed to say? I fully expect to win every game I’ve ever competed in,” McCarthy said. “They’re working hard, we’re working hard. But we’re clearly planning on going to Washington and winning the game. There’s no doubt about that.”

Washington won both games in the series last season, outscoring Dallas by a combined 66-19 margin.

–Field Level Media

Aug 21, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocs Houston Texans outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (50) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys star LT Tyron Smith (ankle) to sit vs. Falcons

Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith will miss Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons due to his injured ankle.

It marks the second straight game in which Smith will be sidelined. He didn’t practice at all this week.

Smith, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has started all 140 games played during his 11 NFL seasons.

Defensive end Randy Gregory (calf) was ruled out earlier this week when he was placed on injured reserve. Receiver Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) and third-string quarterback Will Grier (knee) are listed as questionable.

Atlanta cornerback Kendall Sheffield (hamstring) was ruled out Friday. Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (concussion), linebacker Steven Means (knee) and tight end Lee Smith (back) were listed as doubtful, and defensive lineman John Cominsky (shoulder) is questionable.

–Field Level Media

Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ced Wilson (1) scores a touchdown in the third quarter as Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods (23) and safety Harrison Smith (22) defend at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Cooper Rush wins first career start for Cowboys at Vikings

Cooper Rush capped his first career start with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper with 51 seconds left, as the Dallas Cowboys recorded a 20-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night at Minneapolis.

Rush started in place of an injured Dak Prescott and completed 24 of 40 passes for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The 27-year-old had thrown three career passes, all in 2017, entering the contest before leading Dallas (6-1) to its sixth straight victory.

Prescott tested his strained right calf prior to the game before it was determined he wasn’t physically fit to play.

Greg Joseph kicked a 24-yard field goal with 2:51 remaining to give the Vikings a 16-13 lead. The drive was aided by three key Dallas penalties — Tarell Basham was flagged for roughing the passer and Randy Gregory was called for two personal fouls.

Rush then drove the Cowboys 75 yards on eight plays on the decisive drive. A key play was a 15-yard completion to Ezekiel Elliot on third-and-11 from the Minnesota 20-yard line with the touchdown throw to Cooper coming on the next play.

Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 35 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown for Minnesota (3-4). Adam Thielen caught six passes for 78 yards and one score.

Xavier Woods forced two turnovers for the Vikings. He intercepted Rush in the second quarter and delivered a strip-sack in the fourth quarter in which teammate Anthony Barr recovered the fumble.

Cooper had eight receptions for 122 yards and CeeDee Lamb added six catches for 112 yards for Dallas. Cedrick Wilson caught three passes for 84 yards and one touchdown and also had a key 35-yard completion for the Cowboys, who outgained the Vikings 419 to 278.

Rush threw his first career touchdown pass on the third play of the second half. He hit Wilson in stride at midfield, and the receiver did the rest to complete the 73-yard scoring play and knot the score at 10.

Joseph’s 40-yard field goal gave the Vikings a 13-10 lead with 6:31 left in the quarter, before Greg Zuerlein kicked a 39-yard field goal with four seconds left to tie it. The Dallas field goal was set up by Wilson’s 35-yard flanker pass to Lamb.

The Vikings struck first when Cousins tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Thielen with 11:49 left in the first quarter.

Dallas got on the board on Zuerlein’s 38-yard field goal with 6:09 left in the half before Joseph booted a 45-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 1:44 remaining.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Johnson speaks to the media during the NFL Honors awards presentation at Adrienne Arsht Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Jones: Jimmy Johnson ‘will be in the Ring of Honor’

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current FOX analyst Jimmy Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February of 2020, and on the eve of his induction, his former boss, Jerry Jones, let slip on live television that Johnson “will be in the (Dallas Cowboys) Ring of Honor.”

As a member of the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor, Johnson would join such notable franchise standouts as Don Meredith, Roger Staubach, Tom Landry, Tony Dorsett, Randy White, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and several others.

Such a move would be newsworthy for long-time observers aware of the many twists and turns of the Jones-Johnson relationship over the years.

After Johnson led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships in 1992 and 1993, the two agreed to part ways in 1993 amid many reports of their relationship having devolved significantly.

Since that time, the two haven’t failed to take shots at one another in public, including a notable tiff in 2014 in which Jones called Johnson “disloyal.” But they’ve seemingly reconciled in recent years, as Johnson was in attendance for Jones’ Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2017.

Jones teamed with Aikman, who quarterbacked Johnson’s Super Bowl-winning teams, to deliver the news. And Johnson, ever the jokester, couldn’t resist a quick comeback.

“While I’m alive?” Johnson asked.

–Field Level Media