Dallas Cowboys release Wednesday injury report ahead of Week 18 Commanders matchup

Ahead of their Week 18 matchup versus the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys released the injury report from Wednesday’s practice, revealing several players working their way back to full health.

Running back Tony Pollard practiced as a full participant on Wednesday for the first time since Week 16 after suffering a thigh bruise. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Lawrence was a limited participant due to a foot injury, as was linebacker Leighton Vander Esch who is still recovering from a pinched nerve.

Center Tyler Biadasz was out as expected as he rehabs a high ankle sprain and cornerback Kelvin Joseph missed practice due to a dental issue.

Dallas and Washington kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, at the same time as the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. A loss by the Eagles and a win from the Cowboys would give Dallas the NFC East and at least the No. 2 seed in the conference, granting them hosting rights for round one. If the 49ers also lose, Dallas could clinch the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

Here are the Wednesday injury reports from both teams.

Dallas Injury Report

Did not participate – C Tyler Biadasz (Ankle), CB Kelvin Joseph (Tooth)

Limited – DE DeMarcus Lawrence (Foot), LB Leighton Vander Esch (Neck)

Full – RB Tony Pollard (Thigh)

Washington Injury Report

Did not participate – DL Jonathan Allen (Knee), OL Saahdiq Charles (Concussion), DB Kam Curl (Ankle), LB Jamin Davis (Knee), WR Antonio Gibson (Knee/Foot), OL Cornelius Lucas (Ankle), OL Andrew Norwell (Hip), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (Knee), DL James Smith-Williams (Concussion), DB Benjamin St-Juste (Ankle), DE Montez Sweat (Illness)

Cowboys release wide receiver James Washington

The Dallas Cowboys have opted to move on from wide receiver James Washington, releasing the first-year wideout to waivers ahead of the Week 18 matchup versus the Commanders. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the move on Wednesday ahead of the team’s first practice of the week.

Washington recovered from a fractured foot to make his debut versus the Houston Texans last month, however, with the addition and emergence of veteran T.Y. Hilton, the former Steeler is now off the roster.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the wideout’s release on Wednesday.

“I actually feel bad about James’ opportunity here,” McCarthy said, via Mike Gehlken. “Special teams plays a big part in these decisions. He’s a good man. Hopefully, our paths cross again.”

The team could potentially pick Washington back up for the practice squad if he isn’t claimed.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver played in just two games this season for Dallas, recording one target. In four seasons with the Steelers, the second-round draft pick totaled 114 receptions for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. After the 2021 season, he signed a one-year deal with Dallas worth $1,187,500. He injured his left foot in the spring and fractured his right foot in training camp.