Mike McCarthy evaluates Leighton Vander Esch, Matt Farniok's first practice following injury

On Thursday, ahead of the Dallas Cowboys‘ Week 18 matchup versus the Commanders, Mike McCarthy evaluated linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and center Matt Farniok who both practiced for the first time since suffering injuries.

Vander Esch was a limited participant in practice for the first time since suffering a pinched nerve versus the Jaguars. Although he is still sticking to a non-contact routine, McCarthy hopes to get the defense’s pointman back in 7-on-7 this weekend and back in action by playoffs.

“Very important,” McCarthy said of Vander Esch’s return to the field this week. “Just want to get him back out there. Even if he could just do the 7-on-7 reps, just triggering, firing… he’s our play caller on defense, just to get that all going, it’ll be great for him.

“We’ll always be smart with him with his history. Non-contact is the focus. My hope is to get him into the 7-on-7s on Saturday.”

As for backup center Matt Farniok, he practiced full-go on Wednesday. McCarthy didn’t answer when reporters asked if the former Cornhusker could be active on Sunday in D.C. but he did say the coaches will be closely evaluating him during live periods of practice.

“Today is a big day for him,” McCarthy said. “We’ll go through the first half of practice in pads. Really want to see him work in the individual work, the pass rush, the team run, 9-on-7 type periods. Those will be big periods for us in terms of evaluation.”

Farniok was on injured reserve from October through this week after tearing his hamstring. If he could play, the Cowboys would have the opportunity to move Connor McGovern back to left guard, restoring the lineup from Week 16 with Tyler Smith back at left tackle.

Kelvin Joseph expected to practice Thursday for Cowboys

Cornerback Kelvin Joseph was one of two missing players at practice on Wednesday, joining injured center Tyler Biadasz.

Joseph was listed as out for practice due to a dental issue, which has cleared up, according to McCarthy on Thursday. He is expected back on the practice field as the Cowboys continue preparation for the Commanders.

Joseph has mostly played special teams for Dallas for the past two weeks after losing out the competition as Anthony Brown‘s replacement. Nahshon Wright stepped up to the plate and came up with an interception last week, his first of the season.

Another player to look out for on Thursday is return man KaVontae Turpin. He left a meeting earlier in the day because he didn’t feel well, according to McCarthy, so his status for practice is up in the air.

The Cowboys kick off versus Washington at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.