Dallas Cowboys update availability of two key defensive starters

Less than 24 hours before the Dallas Cowboys take on one of their biggest rivals, the team shared good news. 

According to Jon Machota of “The Athletic,” Dallas activated starting defensive end Randy Gregory and starting defensive tackle Neville Gallimore from injured reserve for Sunday’s game against the Washington Football Team.

Gregory was placed on IR on Nov. 11 after suffering a calf injury during practice. Head coach Mike McCarthy said it was similar to the injury quarterback Dak Prescott dealt with earlier this season. At the time of the injury, the former Nebraska player led the team in quarterback pressures with 20 and was tied for the team lead in sacks with five. He started in six of Dallas’ seven games before the injury.

When Gallimore takes the field in Washington, it will be for the first time this season. He suffered a dislocated elbow in the preseason and has been on IR since. Gallimore was a third-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2020, and he played in 14 games and started in nine in his rookie year. In total, the lineman notched 28 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

Key player likely out for Dallas

While it was good news late this week for the Cowboys on the defensive side of the ball, there a less-than-ideal situation brewing on offensive.

No. 2 running back Tony Pollard is the only Cowboy listed as questionable for the game. He’s dealing with a foot injury and said he felt something in his plantar facia on his touchdown run last week. He didn’t practice at all this week and previously said he’d likely be a “game-time decision.” on Saturday, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported the team is preparing as if Pollard is unavailable.

On a more positive note, top running back Ezekiel Elliott was a full go all week and receiver Cedrick Wilson worked himself up to full participation on Friday. Only Micah Parsons was limited on Friday with a hip injury, but he’s listed as a full go for Sunday’s game.

The full Cowboys injury report from Friday can be found here.

The Dallas-Washington game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the Cowboys are a 4.5-point favorite. While the two teams’ defenses are statistically pretty evenly matched, Dallas has the clear advantage on offense. They are looking to strengthen their 8-4 record and first-place spot in the NFC East.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.