Cowboys

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott reflected on a challenging 2024 season marked by a season-ending injury and an overall losing record.

“Nobody plans to lose,” Prescott expressed, as reported by The Athletic. “Nobody anticipates a losing season. Every year, we expect to make the playoffs and win our division. It’s disheartening. It’s frustrating.”

Prescott has been a strong supporter of head coach Mike McCarthy and hopes the organization will choose to keep him next season.

“It’s challenging to focus on your job with so much uncertainty surrounding you,” Prescott mentioned. “But I commend him for his professionalism and coaching ability to prepare the players to perform well and take pride in our efforts and what we present on tape.”

Prescott has started cycling and noted that he is likely about a month away from resuming running.

“I’ve gained some strength and started using it more,” he said. “Yeah, I’m probably a few weeks, maybe a month, from running. I’m definitely becoming more active.”

• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones commented on the coaching staff’s expiring contracts, stating, “I’m not under any unusual time frame. At all.” (Jon Machota)
• According to Todd Archer, the Cowboys have released RB Ezekiel Elliott to offer him a chance to join a playoff-contending team.

Eagles

A week after being ejected for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, Eagles S C.J. Gardner-Johnson had a standout performance with two interceptions and a touchdown during their Week 17 victory. Gardner-Johnson reflected on the ejection as a valuable lesson in maturity, emphasizing the importance of being present for his teammates.

“I view it as a learning experience,” Gardner-Johnson stated, as noted by Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I need to mature because this team clearly depends on me when I’m on the field. I’m not saying I’m a superstar, but my presence is important for having fun and supporting the guys. It was difficult not being there and seeing them struggle. We could have secured a playoff spot the week before, but I had to take a hard look at myself and understand that this is a team sport.”

• Gardner-Johnson was fined $22,511 on two occasions for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) in Week 16.
• Eagles HC Nick Sirianni has not yet decided if the starters and RB Saquon Barkley will play in Week 18, as there are no playoff implications. (Tim McManus)
• Philadelphia DC Vic Fangio commented on DE Bryce Huff after his return from IR, saying, “He was rusty, but hopefully there’s something to build on.” (Jeff McLane)

Giants

The Giants secured a victory over the Colts in Week 17, complicating their chances of landing the top overall pick in the upcoming draft. New York QB Drew Lock acknowledged the desire to secure a high draft pick but emphasized that the team will continue to strive for wins until the end of the season.

“That’s just part of the game,” Lock stated, as reported by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “When the draft is involved, it’s not like college where you can choose where you go. With the playoffs out of reach, we understand the perspective, but we’re committed to working hard and pushing forward. We still have two games left, and our goal is to win every week.”