Cowboys release Thursday injury report for Vikings showdown

Ahead of their matchup this week, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings made their injury reports available from Thursday’s practice.

Both teams used much-needed bye weeks to get healthy, but all eyes remain on Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Pierce started the season as one of Minnesota’s best defenders, posting two sacks in Week 1. He’s battled an elbow injury since the beginning of October. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who injured his calf in Dallas’ overtime win over the Patriots, is still questionable for Sunday.

The Cowboys-Vikings game is in the primetime slot on Sunday night.

Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that Prescott has “improved every day.” Despite this, backup QB Cooper Rush is still getting more reps in the team portion than usual.

Cowboys and Vikings injury report

Did Not Practice – Cowboys: N/A

Did Not Practice – Vikings: DT Michael Pierce (Elbow), WR Dede Westbrook (Ankle), TE Ben Ellefson (Knee/Foot)

Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce is continuing to work through an elbow injury. He tried to play through it against Cleveland in Week 4. Former Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook did not practice with an ankle injury. Tight end Ben Ellefson played limited with a knee/foot injury on Wednesday and did not play at all on Thursday.

Limited Participation – Cowboys: DE Dorance Armstrong (Ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (Ankle), QB Dak Prescott (Calf), T Tyron Smith (Ankle)

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott injured the calf on the last play of the win over the Patriots in overtime. He wore a walking boot last week during the bye. The walking boot is off, but Prescott’s availability for Sunday remains the biggest storyline for the Cowboys. He’s led the Boys to first place in the NFC East with a 5-1 record.

Though limited, defensive end Dorance Armstrong practiced Wednesday and Thursday after missing the past four games with a sprained ankle.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs and left tackle Tyron Smith minimally participated on Wednesday and Thursday. However, both are still likely to play against the Vikings.

Limited Participation – Vikings: LB Anthony Barr (Knee)

Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr is still limited with a knee injury. Barr returned to the field in early October after missing 18 consecutive regular-season games.

Full Participant – Cowboys: DE Randy Gregory (Knee), WR Cedrick Wilson (Shoulder), S Donovan Wilson (Groin)

Defensive end Randy Gregory, who has come on strong in recent weeks, was a full participant with the knee injury. Gregory said the Cowboys’ bye week gave him a chance to tend to his injured knee.

“I actually got it shot up yesterday, so today probably feels the best it’s felt since probably since camp,” Gregory said on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was a full participant with a shoulder injury. Also, safety Donovan Wilson was a full participant with a groin injury.

Full Participant – Vikings: RB Alexander Mattison (Shoulder), WR Adam Thielen (Foot)

Adam Thielen was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday. The Vikings star wide receiver has been nursing a foot injury for weeks. Running back Alexander Mattison has been dealing with a shoulder injury for weeks but contributed fully on Thursday as well.