 |
| Dallas Cowboys vs Indianapolis Colts |
Dallas- The Dallas Cowboys redeemed themselves last week against the Philadelphia Eagles to regain the NFC East Lead by a game. After the Thanksgiving Day Game shellacking at the hands of Head Coach Chip Kelly’s high tempo offense, the Cowboys pulled off a must win against their division rivals. Dallas has yet to solidify a playoff berth and have the Indianapolis Colts lead by Andrew Luck at home this Sunday afternoon. The Colts have won the AFC South and clinched a playoff spot with a 10-4 record.
by Chase Headley
This will be the first time Andrew Luck has faced the Dallas Cowboys in his 3rd season in the NFL and it may be without one of his favorite targets. T.Y. Hilton missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a strained hamstring. When asked if he would attend the Friday workouts, he said he wasn’t sure. Hakeem Nicks may be filling in for T.Y. and has already begun taking more practice reps this week. Nicks could be targeted a good amount with Reggie Wayne playing but struggling with torn triceps. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus has also missed practice this week with a groin injury and may not suit up on Sunday.
Indianapolis isn’t the only team with injured stars. Demarco Murray underwent surgery on his left hand this last Monday after injuring it in the win against the Eagles. After having a plate and screws installed Monday, Demarco practiced on Wednesday and Thursday with a protective glove.
Demarco was quoted saying, “I’m a very competitive person and I want to help this team out as much I can, so whatever that portrays me doing Sunday, then we’ll see. But I’ve had two good days, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Multiple sources, including Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, expect Demarco to play on Sunday. Jones is also optimistic that rookie right guard Zach Martin will be able to play with a hurt ankle. Right tackle Doug Free has missed practice all week and is listed as doubtful. Veteran tackle Jeremy Parnell will fill in while Free nurses his injured ankle.
The Colts are already in the playoffs but they are 3rd in the AFC and would currently not receive a first round bye. They’ll be fighting for a big road win but the Cowboys would have to rely on other teams losing in week 17 to enter the playoffs if they don’t beat the Colts. Vegas has Indy as a 3-point underdog on the road against the hot Dallas Cowboys. It should be a close game. If the Cowboys can force Luck with, 14 interceptions and 7 fumbles so far this season to turn the ball over, they should win at home.
Chase Headley
