Mike McCarthy updates the health, availability of Ezekiel Elliott, DeMarcus Lawrence vs Vikings
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy provided an optimistic review of running back Ezekiel Elliott and edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence for Week 11 versus the Vikings despite neither participating in full on Wednesday.
Elliott was a limited participant in practice Wednesday as the star continues to nurse a knee injury that has kept him out of action since late October. Lawrence sat out but McCarthy assured that it was precautionary and that the “intent” is for the defender to play at Minnesota.
“(Elliott) had a really good day yesterday,” McCarthy said. “Anxious to see how much he does today. He looks good.”
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He injured his knee almost a month ago against the Lions, causing him to miss the following week’s game against Chicago. Elliott’s recovery timetable was aided by the bye week but ultimately, the Cowboys opted to play it safe last Sunday versus the Packers. The team had three games to play in 12 days, so holding him out in the loss versus Green Bay made it more likely that he could contribute versus the Vikings.
Prior to the former Ohio State star’s injury, he totaled 443 yards and four touchdowns on 109 carries. Without Elliott in the lineup, Tony Pollard notched two consecutive 100+ yard games.
Elsewhere, Wednesday’s Cowboys injury report was rather slim compared to past weeks. Six players, including Elliott, made the list. The most notable of which being offensive starters Michael Gallup and Tyler Smith were full-go Wednesday, while Lawrence stayed on the sideline with a foot injury.
McCarthy: Tyron Smith looks ‘excellent’
Although the Cowboys head coach wasn’t forthcoming about potential return timelines, McCarthy revealed that offensive tackle Tyron Smith is back in meetings and “moving very well” after his hamstring tear in the preseason.
“(Smith) looks good, looks really good,” McCarthy said. “… Tyron looks excellent.”
The Cowboys (6-3) will take on the Minnesota Vikings (8-1) Sunday on the road at 4:25 p.m. ET in one of the most anticipated NFL Week 11 matchups.