Monday NFL preview: Cowboys trying to get Dak Prescott ready

ByESPN.COM
August 28, 2016, 11:11 PM

— -- NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Monday.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Coach Jason Garrett has not decided whether he will play Dak Prescott on Thursday in the preseason finale against the Texans. With Prescott  elevated to the starter's role with Tony Romo out, the Cowboys have to balance the risk of him getting hurt with the reward of the rookie getting much-needed playing time. If the starting offensive line is not going to play, it would be wise to let Prescott sit and be ready for the regular-season opener against the Giants. Jameill Showers would start if Prescott sits. The Cowboys are on the lookout for veteran backup help, but they will not be able to get a backup ready to play this week. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants

The Giants' first-team offense with Eli Manning at quarterback has four first downs and 88 total yards in four preseason quarters. That's not good enough. Coach Ben McAdoo knows it, and he intends to fix it beginning this week at practice. "We need to jump back out there on the practice field, and we need to get better right from jump street," McAdoo said Sunday. It starts with the offensive line, which has struggled. That unit plans to concentrate on fundamentals and finishing. It will help to have starting left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder) back this week. -- Jordan Raanan

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback  Carson Wentz (rib) was able to go through a full workout prior to Saturday's game against the Colts. If everything checks out medically this week, he could very well play Thursday in the preseason finale against the Jets. "He's in a position to possibly play next week," coach Doug Pederson said. "He's still a little bit sore, so we'll monitor that. We'll make sure he's rested here in the next couple of days. I don't want to jeopardize him by any stretch of the imagination. But at the same time, if he's ready to go, he'll play next Thursday." -- Tim McManus

Washington Redskins

Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan received good news from the MRI on his groin Saturday, but it's uncertain if that means he'll be able to practice Monday. Kerrigan left Friday's preseason game against Buffalo in the first quarter, needed X-rays and did not return to the game. With the starters not playing in the preseason finale, there's no need to rush Kerrigan. The Redskins have been cautious with players returning from injuries this summer, so if there's any doubt, he'll return next week when regular-season practices begin. The Redskins can't afford to lose another outside linebacker, as they already lost Junior Galette for the season because of an Achilles injury. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Cornerback Tracy Porter's concussion on Saturday is the latest setback for the banged up Bears' secondary. With starter Kyle Fuller (knee) on the sideline following an arthroscopic procedure, Porter's situation further tests Chicago's dwindling depth at cornerback. Porter will be monitored closely, with the Bears' regular-season opener less than two weeks away. The Bears also remain hopeful that tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Eddie Royal can officially pass the NFL's concussion protocol. Miller and Royal have missed almost the entire preseason but could, in theory, return for Thursday's exhibition finale in Cleveland. There likely will be an update Monday on guard Kyle Long (shoulder), who spent the weekend rehabbing his injury and doing cardiovascular work. -- Jeff Dickerson

Detroit Lions

Eric Ebron (ankle) remains the most interesting question for the Lions on Monday. At some point, Detroit needs to see what he can do in practice heading into the regular season, and this is the last non-preparation week to do so. Although it would be stunning if he played against Buffalo on Thursday, having him practice and get reacquainted with the offense would be helpful. The other player to watch is tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He has been on PUP recovering from a torn ACL. It's not clear if he'll start the season on PUP, but he hasn't done much yet. -- Michael Rothstein

Green Bay Packers

Wide receiver  Jordy Nelson's preparation for the regular season should ramp up this week. Even though he won't play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chiefs, the Pro Bowl receiver expects to take part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since he tore his ACL more than a year ago. "It's important for Jordy to get a ton of work this week with Aaron [Rodgers], and that's really the focus," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. Nelson worked only selected individual drills when he returned to practice last week. -- Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

Given the fact that their starters played a full half on Sunday, it seems unlikely that the Vikings will put many of their first-string players back on the field Thursday night against the Rams. As such, the first round of cuts for the Vikings could have plenty to do with which players they want to keep for depth on Thursday. The final week of the preseason could create opportunities at safety, for example, where both Antone Exum and Michael Griffin left with injuries on Sunday. Seventh-round pick  Jayron Kearse, who made his second interception of the preseason Sunday, could get plenty of playing time Thursday in his bid to make the roster. -- Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Wide receiver Julio Jones, who suffered an ankle injury in last week's preseason loss to the Dolphins, wasn't on the practice field Sunday. Even so, coach Dan Quinn wasn't concerned about Jones' status. Quinn already said Jones should be fine for the season opener and there's no need to play him in the final preseason game against Jacksonville. "He did not participate in anything today, and we'll see if he's able to do something [Monday]," he said following practice. Meanwhile, Quinn said he expects pass-rusher Dwight Freeney (back) to return to practice Monday, though Freeney is not expected to play against the Jaguars. -- Vaughn McClure

Carolina Panthers

On Sunday, the Panthers began putting in their game plan for the Sept. 8 opener at Denver, but they didn't have punter Mike Scifres, who injured his right knee in Friday night's exhibition loss to New England. Scifres is scheduled to meet with a doctor. If the news isn't good, the Panthers likely will be shopping for a punter. The only other one on the roster is Kasey Redfern, who hasn't kicked in a regular-season game. -- David Newton

New Orleans Saints

Coach Sean Payton said last month that winning preseason games would be important because the Saints needed to build confidence and a winning culture after back-to-back 7-9 seasons. Well, they're 0-3. But Payton insisted he isn't concerned about a spiraling effect. "This is a good group. They're working hard. The key is that we just recognize the things," he said. "We've still got more time here, but we've got to have a sense of urgency about some of these things that have shown up more than just one game." -- Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs are coming off a big game against the Browns. Among the positives: a punt return for a touchdown, eight sacks and just 13 points allowed on defense, quarterback  Jameis Winston threw two touchdowns, and wide receiver  Mike Evans had 115 receiving yards. Plus, the Bucs had only three penalties all game. That's some great momentum for the starters heading into the regular season. For players fighting for roster spots, Thursday's game is crucial, and several position groups remain undecided: wide receiver, tight end, running back, offensive line, corner, safety, defensive line and linebacker. -- Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

A common refrain around the Cardinals about their subpar offensive performance this preseason has been that it's just the preseason, and when the regular season starts Sept. 11, the offense will be fine. But two more interceptions by quarterback  Carson Palmer, two by Matt Barkley and five turnovers overall don't look good for a team that won't play its starters again until the regular season begins. -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

Practice has become crucial for star running back Todd Gurley, who will finish the preseason having taken part in only one drive. Gurley sat out the third preseason game Saturday and will also sit out the fourth one on Thursday. When he takes the field for the Sept. 12 opener against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, Gurley will have gone 23 days without seeing game speed. The Rams need him to simulate that as best as possible during practice -- without getting hurt and probably without even getting tackled. -- Alden Gonzalez

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick spoke to the media on Sunday and said he will continue to sit during the national anthem until there is change when it comes to racial oppression in the United States. Asked what that would look like, Kaepernick indicated that he wasn't sure, but he'd know it when he sees it. "That's a tough question because there's a lot of things that need to change, a lot of different issues that need to be addressed," he said. "That's something that it's really hard to lock down one specific thing that needs to change currently." -- Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks

Third-round pick C.J. Prosise (hamstring) looked the part in his first preseason action, as he rushed four times for 23 yards against the Cowboys. "He had a couple nice runs, and we're just going to keep going," coach Pete Carroll said. "This is a big week for him. It's just a big week to have him in practice again, but the game will be important. He'll play quite a bit this game." The Seahawks are hoping Prosise can emerge as their third-down back for the regular season. -- Sheil Kapadia

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

The Bills added a fourth quarterback to their 90-man roster Sunday, when they signed  Austin Trainor. Why the late addition? The Bills need an extra arm to get through Thursday's preseason finale in Detroit. The team plans to sit Tyrod Taylor and the rest of its starters, and rookie Cardale Jones is still nursing a sore shoulder. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

This is an important week for Dolphins cornerback  Xavien Howard (knee) and running back  Kenyan Drake (hamstring). After they missed most of training camp, Miami's rookie second- and third-round picks will make their debuts in Thursday's preseason finale against the Titans. The next two days of practice are important to prepare for this game. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

Will veteran defensive tackle Terrance Knighton still have a job at the end of the day? Signed in the offseason to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $4 million, Knighton didn't play a single defensive snap in the team's third preseason game Friday at Carolina. He said after the game that he was leaving Bank of America Stadium with an uncertain feeling about his future with the team. -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

The Jets, who trimmed their roster to 78 on Sunday, still have three moves to make before Tuesday. They have six outside linebackers on the roster, with veteran Trevor Reilly squarely on the bubble. His status could be impacted by Josh Martin, who is on crutches after an ankle injury. There's a chance rookie Jordan Jenkins (calf) could return this week. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback  Joe Flacco didn't mince words after Benjamin Watson tore his Achilles on Saturday. "That's going to be really tough on us," Flacco said. That leaves the Ravens with one healthy, experienced tight end:  Crockett Gillmore. Baltimore will be fine at tight end as long as Dennis Pitta (fractured finger) and Maxx Williams (undisclosed injury) can stay healthy, but that's a big question mark. Pitta hasn't played in a game since September 2014, and Williams dealt with knee and ankle injuries as well as a concussion as a rookie last season. -- Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals came out of Sunday night's game against the Jaguars with injuries to wide receiver A.J. Green (knee), cornerback Adam Jones (calf) and running back Cedric Peerman (arm). That's not a good sign with the regular season approaching. They will play again Thursday against the Colts, with most of the starters unlikely to see a snap. -- Katherine Terrell

Cleveland Browns

Cornerback Justin Gilbert's effort to make the roster will be slowed. The top-10 pick in the 2014 draft was diagnosed with a concussion Friday in Tampa and is in the league's protocol. -- Pat McManamon

Pittsburgh Steelers

Two key linemen are setting a toughness tone for the Steelers. Defensive end Cam Heyward (high ankle sprain) and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (hyperextended elbow) both have significant injuries but are saying there's no way they miss Week 1 at Washington. The Steelers dealt with injuries all of last season, and Gilbert and Heyward are well-respected veterans who won't take no for an answer. "No way I'm missing that first game," Gilbert said. Don't expect these two to practice in the next two weeks, but they promise to rehab vigorously. -- Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Although quarterback  Brock Osweiler and the Texans' offense had a great day against the Cardinals, the defense struggled in several areas. Without J.J. Watt, the defensive line got pushed around, and the defense as a whole missed several tackles. The Texans also struggled with tackling in the first preseason game against the 49ers, but they improved last week against the Saints. As it was after the preseason opener, expect tackling to be a focus during practice this week ahead of the team's final preseason game. -- Sarah Barshop

Indianapolis Colts

Running back Stevan Ridley will have his first practice with the Colts on Monday after he signed with the team over the weekend. The Colts are looking for solid backup behind starter Frank Gore. The backups behind Gore have combined to rush for only 91 yards on 49 carries in three preseason games. Ridley has rushed for 1,203 yards total in the past three seasons after rushing for 1,263 yards in his second season with the Patriots. -- Mike Wells

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars really felt the loss of nose tackle Roy Miller against the Bengals on Sunday. He suffered a quad injury last week and likely won't play in the preseason finale. The Bengals ran for 49 yards in the first quarter against the Jaguars' first-team defense with Abry Jones and Richard Ash playing in his place. Miller is the key to the Jaguars' rush defense. -- Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

The Titans will open the season with Quinton Spain as their left guard. The open spot never really got competitive, and Spain and the starting line were very solid against the Raiders in the third preseason game. Coach Mike Mularkey said he wants to see Spain progress with experience but was pleased with the way the former undrafted free agent came back from an average effort in Week 2. -- Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

At every opportunity, coach Gary Kubiak has tried to tell folks that he has more decisions to make than the one at quarterback. Although the collective response outside the team might seem like, "yeah, whatever,'' to Kubiak, he is right. As roster cuts come, the Broncos have tough decisions at running back, wide receiver and particularly at linebacker where Dekoda Watson, with 2.5 sacks against the Rams on Saturday, and Zaire Anderson, who had two forced fumbles against the San Francisco 49ers last week, made cases to make the roster. Watson leads the team in sacks in the preseason with 4.0. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

The challenge for the Chiefs now that safety Eric Berry has signed and will join them at practice on Monday is to prepare him for the regular season. That preparation probably won't include any playing time in Thursday's final preseason game against the Packers. Otherwise, the Chiefs won't waste any time. He'll be in the starting lineup in practice. "We'll get him back in there and get him into football shape now," coach Andy Reid said. "He's in great shape. It's just [a matter of] getting him back into football shape." -- Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

Raiders coach Jack Del Rio is still a linebacker at heart, so yeah, he felt a bit shaken at the lack of quality tackling by his team against the Titans on Saturday. "I take it real personal," he said. "I don't know what to tell you. I don't have a good alibi -- it bothers me. You can't be a great defense doing that ... it's got to be a whole hell of a lot better than what I saw out there tonight." -- Paul Gutierrez

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers lost a playmaker on offense, and the team's top returner when Branden Oliver went down with an Achilles' tendon tear. Coach Mike McCoy confirmed after the game that Oliver was done for the year. It's a tough blow for Oliver, who finished last year on the injured reserve with turf toe. "You see what he went through to get back and it's a shame," McCoy said about Oliver. The Chargers have backups such as  Dreamius Smith or Kenneth Farrow on the roster who could help fill the void left by Oliver's absence, but they could also add a player after final roster cuts. -- Eric D. Williams