Imagine this: a single game could make or break an entire NFL season. That’s the reality for the Dallas Cowboys as they face off against the Philadelphia Eagles today. A win could catapult them into serious playoff contention, while a loss might just slam the door shut. With kickoff just around the corner, the lineups are set, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But here’s where it gets interesting: Jalen Tolbert is notably absent from the Cowboys’ active roster, leaving fans wondering how the team will adjust without him.
The Cowboys are stepping onto the field in surprisingly good shape. Earlier in the week, quarterback Dak Prescott raised eyebrows with reports of hip soreness, but he’s been cleared to play without any restrictions. The same goes for Jadeveon Clowney, who was listed as questionable but is now ready to suit up. This level of health is a rare luxury in the NFL, especially at this stage of the season.
And this is the part most people miss: Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is finally making his season debut. After joining the team at last year’s trade deadline and spending weeks on injured reserve, Mingo is now active and poised to make an impact. His return adds a fresh dynamic to the Cowboys’ offense, though it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll find his rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ inactive list is packed with healthy scratches, including Jalen Tolbert, Jaydon Blue, Hakeem Adeniji, Trikweze Bridges, Jay Toia, and Perrion Winfrey. Winfrey’s absence is particularly noteworthy—despite being activated from injured reserve earlier this week, he’s still not quite game-ready, suggesting the team is taking a cautious approach with his recovery.
On the Eagles’ side, the biggest absence is undoubtedly right tackle Lane Johnson, who was ruled out earlier in the week with a foot injury. His loss is a significant blow to their offensive line. However, center Cam Jurgens, who was questionable, is active and ready to go, as is edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. But here’s the controversial question: Can the Eagles’ offensive line hold up without Johnson, or will the Cowboys exploit this weakness to secure a crucial win?
This game is shaping up to be a battle of adjustments, strategy, and sheer willpower. With so much on the line, every play will matter. What do you think? Can the Cowboys overcome Tolbert’s absence and capitalize on the Eagles’ vulnerabilities, or will Philadelphia’s depth prove too much to handle? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!