Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark said he expects to be fine, via Cowboys beat reporter Joseph Hoyt, after an elbow injury briefly forced him out of Dallas’ 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Clark walked slowly into the medical tent in the third quarter and was officially listed as questionable to return. He did come back, and afterward he told reporters he felt good and would learn more from the trainers the following day. The immediate update, short and pragmatic, quieted the louder concerns that flared when he left the field.
The Cowboys paced the game with a balanced attack. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns, CeeDee Lamb returned from a short absence to post 110 receiving yards and a score, and Jake Ferguson hauled in two touchdown catches. Javonte Williams churned for a physical 116 yards on the ground as Dallas controlled both lines of scrimmage, via ESPN’s box score.
Defensive depth softened the blow when Clark exited. Dallas rotated big bodies up front and kept pressure on Washington, limiting the Commanders after an early drive that threatened to shift momentum. Clark anchors the interior and sets the tone against the run, but the Cowboys’ defensive line responded without missing a beat, helping preserve a comfortable win.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the training staff will monitor Clark through the week, but Sunday’s word from the veteran defensive tackle suggested nothing immediate to force alternate plans.
Still, the Cowboys won’t take anything for granted. Clark plays a lot of snaps on early downs and in goal-line situations; even a minor elbow problem can affect hand placement and leverage. Expect the team to list a clearer status after further testing and the usual midweek injury report. For now, Clark’s short report, “he feels good,” is about as close to a green light as Dallas could want after a game that ultimately showcased their roster depth.
‘Can Do Some Dirty Work’ Eagles’ Nick Sirianni Sounds off on Rising Star
Philadelphia Eagles undrafted rookie free agent wide receiver Darius Cooper parlayed a strong preseason into a roster spot and role in the offense.
Wide receiver Darius Cooper is no longer merely a training camp darling for the Philadelphia Eagles.
After securing a roster spot, thanks to a stellar training camp and preseason, Cooper has the chance to earn quality snaps in a loaded receiving room that includes the likes of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and former first-round draft choice Jahan Dotson.
Cooper, though, is well on his way both to carving out a niche and gaining the confidence of his head coach.
“I think that this guy is a really strong football player who can do some of the dirty work stuff for us as far as our blocking, as far as special teams, as far as good speed to be able to clear things out,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni recently told reporters of Cooper. “And really when you have a guy like that, there’s opportunities for him as well in the pass game that mesh off of some of those things. I’m looking forward to watching him continue to develop.”
The 5-foot-11 and 210 pound Cooper averaged 12.9 yards per reception during the Eagles’ three preseason games, catching seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown after signing as an undrafted free agent earlier this spring.
During his five collegiate seasons at Tarlton State, Cooper caught 164 passes for 3,183 yards and 29 touchdowns, underscoring his explosiveness that drew the Eagles to ink him to a deal after the draft this spring.
With Sirianni already speaking highly of his “dirty work” and pass-game potential, it seems like Cooper isn’t just a roster-filler, but a legitimate part of the Eagles’ plan, a testament to a preseason performance that turned an undrafted flyer into a potentially trusted piece of the puzzle for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense.
Eagles Newcomer Already on Injured Reserve
The Eagles have added several players to the 53-man roster and the practice squad since making final roster cuts on Tuesday, but at least one won’t be taking the field anytime soon.
After claiming offensive lineman Willie Lampkin off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams, in hopes of adding quality depth along the interior, Lampkin was placed on injured reserve, meaning the 23-year-old will be sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the season.
Lampkin, 5-foot-11 and 279 pounds, was waived/injured by the Rams due to a knee injury that he suffered during the preseason.
The former North Carolina and Coastal Carolina standout signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent after this spring’s NFL Draft.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, Lampkin believes he’ll be back in action “soon.”
