Cowboys focusing on health, hope for improbable rally to playoff contention

With a mini-bye plus a day, the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to get a little healthier, though they know any improbable rally to playoff contention will have to be without star quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys (5-7) beat the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, 27-20, to give them consecutive victories coming off a five-game losing streak.

Three more games against teams currently with losing records await, starting with a Monday night visit by Cincinnati on Dec. 9. The defending NFC East champions suddenly have hope that they can extend a three-year playoff run.

"The rest might be the most important part of the schedule," coach Mike McCarthy said. "If you just look at what we've been dealing with, rest and recovery will really help us. The schedule is set up for our players to be on a bye week. I do want them to get away, get their batteries charged, and be ready to go."

For now, the Dallas offense belongs to Cooper Rush after Prescott's season-ending surgery for a torn hamstring. Rush has won the past two games without perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin, who should have a chance to return from shoulder and ankle injuries.

The biggest question, and concern, for the Cowboys is 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb's bad shoulder, which sidelined him in the second half against the Giants. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones said on his radio show Friday the extra time off should give Lamb a chance to play.

A defense that has looked much more dynamic since star pass rusher Micah Parsons' return from an ankle injury might get defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence back against the Bengals. Lawrence hasn't played since Week 4.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs, a 2021 All-Pro, has missed two games with groin and knee issues. He and