The run of health through the Dallas Cowboys facility continues as the team prepares for a big showdown versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
The last impact player to miss extended time is Leighton Vander Esch after the 49ers game, and he ended up being lost for the entire season.
It won’t be listed on the injury report, but HC Mike McCarthy was forced to leave The Star on Wednesday with abdominal pain.
He visited a doctor who rushed him to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy.
I immediately thought there would be no way he could return to coach this game by Sunday and Dan Quinn should get ready to fill in.
However, reports before McCarthy even entered surgery were that he would not miss the game, even if he had to coach from the box upstairs.
Quinn filled in for him at the press conference Wednesday and was asked if McCarthy would be ready for Sunday.
Quinn’s response? “You think that tough Irishman is going to miss this game?”.
McCarthy had successful surgery and is expected to be with the team in full capacity on Sunday night.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys officially list nine players on their Week 14 injury report.
*NOTE*: All players listed for rest were not included in the final release of the injury report, but will still be listed below.
No Designation
WR Brandin Cooks (rest), CB Stephon Gilmore (rest), DT Johnathan Hankins (rest), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (rest), RG Zack Martin (rest), LT Tyron Smith (rest), RB Rico Dowdle (ankle), TE Peyton Hendershot (ankle)
The Cowboys listed six players as sitting out of practice due to rest this week.
Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore, Johnathan Hankins, DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, and Tyron Smith all did not participate.
The rest has done wonders for Tyron Smith, as he is PFF’s top-graded pass-blocking tackle in the NFL.
Tyron is a 12-year veteran, and it’s safe to say he doesn’t need to be involved in practice to be successful.
Rico Dowdle is still dealing with a bit of an ankle issue after twisting it in practice two weeks ago.
His game status is not in jeopardy.
Peyton Hendershot is primed for his return from Injured Reserve after being activated late on Wednesday.
Sean McKeon was placed on IR as a corresponding move, and we should see Hendershot active versus Philadelphia for the first time since Week 3.
Out
T Matt Waletzko (shoulder)
Backup OL Matt Waletzko’s 21-day window was opened to return to practice this week.
He will not be ready for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles officially list seven players on their final Week 14 injury report.
No Designation
TE Grant Calcaterra (ankle), DT Fletcher Cox (groin), LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring), TE Dallas Goedert (forearm), CB Darius Slay (knee), TE Jack Stoll (knee), WR Julio Jones (groin)
The Eagles will have their top three tight ends healthy and available for Sunday night, led by the return of Dallas Goedert.
Goedert has not played since he fractured his forearm in the Week 9 matchup versus the Cowboys.
Philadelphia can also expect to have top LB Zach Cunningham back in the lineup, as well as a healthy Fletcher Cox.
CB Darius Slay took a veteran week of rest for his sore knee, but is a full go for Sunday night.
Veteran WR Julio Jones was limited all week in practice due to a sore groin but is primed to play limited snaps.