By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Dallas Cowboys are in their bye week. With a 5-1 record and a clear lead in the NFC East standings, the Cowboys are in a good position. After a dramatic and hard-fought 35-29 win against the New England Patriots on the road, the Cowboys are 5-1 for the first time since 2016.
The bye week has come at the most opportune time for the Cowboys. The team can rest up and heal a few injuries. Dak Prescott picked up a calf strain on the final play of the game against New England. He promised that he would be fine and that the walking boot was merely a precaution. He underwent an MRI and it only revealed a strain and nothing severe. So with rest and rehab, Prescott should be good to go next Sunday as the Cowboys take on the Minnesota Vikings on the road. The likes of Trevon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Tyron Smith, etc can all heal up, as well.
The Cowboys must be very cautious with Prescott. However, if the MRI results didn't turn out to be very serious, and if he insists he's fine, then so be it. Let him rest and heal and he'll be ready. Regardless, the Cowboys must be careful. Of course, the calf strain may prevent him from running the ball. It can certainly affect his playing ability. But as Prescott promised, he'll be okay. So we can leave it at that.
Several players who've yet to play this season can possibly return after the bye week. Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore could possibly return. Their return would bulk up the depleted defensive line. DeMarcus Lawrence is likely to be out for a few more weeks. Rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph may return soon, as well. La'el Collins is returning from a suspension, so that'll bulk up the offensive line. The health of Dak Prescott is of the highest priority.
Dallas can enjoy their bye week. Everybody must heal up and rest up. The Cowboys need to be 100 percent and ready to go when they travel up north to take on the Vikings.