Critical division-heavy stretch could loom large for healing Cowboys

The NFC East is in absolute disarray with a critical division-heavy stretch on deck for the Dallas Cowboys.

The NFL’s worst division by virtue of overall record sports a combined mark of 3-12-1. For starters, the Washington Football Team demoted its starting quarterback to third-string duties. Along with that, the New York Giants scored only 47 points in their four games this season combined. Also, the disappointing Philadelphia Eagles just earned their first win of the season. The surprising upset victory took place on the road against the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers.

The Dallas Cowboys have no room to boast or get comfortable. The group known as “America’s Team” has only three wins to its name under its first-year head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys offense has been statistically great, led by a historic start from signal-caller Dak Prescott. However, the Cowboys have been plagued by suspect play from their defense along with a slew of injuries. Currently, Big D sits at 1-3 through the first four games of the 2020 season.

However, Dallas’ fortunes could change sooner rather than later.

The Cowboys have three of their next four games against familiar foes in a critical division-heavy stretch. With that, Dallas should also see several key contributors return to the team from injury or suspension. Three defensive standouts in Leighton Vander-Esch, Anthony Brown, and Randy Gregory are expected to return to the team over the next few weeks. The NFL still has Gregory on the commissioner’s exempt list. However, the league provided conditional reinstatement to the troubled edge rusher a month ago. With that, Gregory could return to the field soon and provided a big lift to the defense’s front seven.

Vander-Esch could return either this Sunday against the New York Giants or Monday, Oct. 19 against the Arizona Cardinals. After the two upcoming home games, Dallas will hit the road to play both the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles in consecutive weeks. For more sports coverage, click here.