Cowboys Injury Report: Elliott, Cooper, Gregory expected to play vs Giants

Read Time:2 Minute, 36 Second

The Dallas Cowboys are currently on a three-game winning streak and are looking like one of the best teams in the NFL during the first month of the season. However, as is the case for every team each year, they are dealing with a few bumps and bruises so to speak ahead of their NFC East showdown with the New York Giants on Sunday.

Ezekiel Elliott (knee), Amari Cooper (hamstring), and Randy Gregory (knee) have all been limited participants in practice this week. All three were major contributors in the Cowboys’ big win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, and according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, they are expected to play against the Giants.

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (knee), WR Amari Cooper (hamstring) and DE Randy Gregory (knee) are listed as questionable to play Sunday vs. Giants. No concern was expressed today from Cowboys Mike McCarthy about their availability. All expected to play. pic.twitter.com/NU0Qt5Zxtn

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 8, 2021

Elliott is showing that the rumblings of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. He’s currently fourth in rushing yards (342) and second in rushing touchdowns (4). Albeit in just four games, Elliott is averaging a career-high 5.3 yards per carry.

The two-time rushing champion is coming off of his best performance of the season against the Panthers. He gained 143 yards on 20 carries which included a 47-yard run in the third quarter, his longest since 2016. Elliott is showing great burst, power, and agility with the football and has been the driving force for the Cowboys’ offense over the last few games.

Feed Zeke 🍽 #DallasCowboys

📺: #CARvsDAL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/qQcscWBsNL

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021

Cooper injured his hamstring on the third play against the Panthers last week. However, like he’s done throughout his time with the Cowboys, Cooper managed to play with the pain and even caught a big touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Cowboys the lead for good.

For the season, Cooper leads the Cowboys with 22 receptions and is tied with Dalton Schultz for the most touchdown catches with three. His 258 yards are second to CeeDee Lamb (264) and he’s currently on pace for his sixth 1,000-yard campaign in seven seasons.

COOOOOOP! #DallasCowboys

📺: #CARvsDAL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/XkGOb62Sae

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021

Gregory has had a rollercoaster start to the 2021 season so far. After recovering a huge fumble in the season opener Gregory was out for Week 2 after being put on the Reserve/COVID list. He was blanked from the stat sheet against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, he was dominant against the Panthers.

He recorded two sacks and had four quarterback hits. It was just the second time in his career that he’s had multiple sacks in a game. With DeMarcus Lawrence out due to a broken bone in his foot, it’s paramount that Gregory holds down the Cowboys pass rush from the edge with rookie Micah Parsons and others.

.@RandyGregory_4 is RELENTLESS! #CARvsDAL | 📺 : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/SdzeclV3Ra

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 3, 2021

With the Cowboys rolling this is the classic “trap game” for them with the 1-3 Giants coming to town. Elliott, Cooper, and Gregory will be vital to the Cowboys keeping their winning streak alive and staying atop the NFC East.