Cowboys make critical decision on status of Michael Gallup

The Dallas Cowboys have battled injury concerns throughout the season, but have prevailed for the most part.

With the critical part of the season ahead, the Cowboys have activated wide receiver Michael Gallup from injured reserve.

Gallup, who hasn’t played since suffering a calf injury season opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 9, was activated from injured reserve, the Cowboys announced Saturday. He will be available in Sunday’s game against the Falcons at AT&T Stadium.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Gallup in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and he has thrived when healthy. Gallup has 162 catches for 2,493 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career.

As it stands, it’s clear the duo of Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb have cemented the top two wide receiver spots. With defenses constructing game plans to limit the production of the two, there should be plenty of opportunities for Gallup to pick up where he left off and become a valuable target for Dak Prescott down the stretch.

Dallas Cowboys release final injury report for Falcons game

On Friday, the Cowboys released their final injury report ahead of a Sunday matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) is ruled out, while receiver Cedric Wilson (shoulder) is questionable.

Wilson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but was limited Friday. The Cowboys are coming off of their second loss of the season, an embarrassing 30-16 blowout against Denver. Dallas found itself down 30-0 before scoring all 16 of its points in the final quarter.

A perennial Pro Bowler, Smith played in Week 9 against the Vikings before leaving that game. He was held out the following week against Denver, which could explain the offense’s struggles.

Defensive end Randy Gregory will also miss Week 11, as well as the next two weeks. The Dallas Cowboys placed him on injured reserve because of a calf injury Thursday.

Gregory’s injury likely means that star rookie Micah Parsons will once again see more time at linebacker. Earlier this season, Parsons turned heads with his prolific play while filling in for Gregory.

There’s the bad news, now here’s the good for Dallas Cowboys fans. Amari Cooper (hamstring), who was limited in practice all week, has no injury designation. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was limited both Wednesday and Thursday, but practiced in full Friday.

On the Falcons injury front, defensive back Kendall Sheffield (hamstring) is the only player listed out. However, linebacker Steven Means (knee), tight end Lee Smith (back) and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (concussion) are all doubtful. Fellow defensive lineman John Cominsky (shoulder) is questionable.

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back from last week’s surprising loss to the Denver Broncos against a Falcons team that has played much better as of late.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.