Commanders

Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is getting closer to returning from injury, which will significantly strengthen the team’s defensive line. Washington’s defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., expressed his enthusiasm about Allen’s potential comeback, highlighting his exceptional ability to generate pressure from the interior.

“Oh, I’m excited. With the opportunity of getting him back, hopefully that happens,” Whitt stated, as reported by Ivan Lambert of Commanders Wire. “He gives us just another veteran player, high pedigree player that can go in and give those quality snaps inside, that can get after the quarterback, push the pocket, and be disruptive. So, we’re excited to get him back.”

• Commanders head coach Dan Quinn indicated that it may be challenging for players not participating in Friday’s practice to return for Sunday’s game. (Ben Standig)
• Quinn shared his thoughts on facing the Falcons: “I’ve done the work on that before; had a chance to coach against them in Dallas. A lot of gratitude for Arthur [Blank]; he took a chance on that. Nothing past that.” (John Keim)

Cowboys

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb continues to perform well, despite dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. Lamb candidly shared that he has been in significant pain but intends to keep fighting through it until he was ruled out last week.

“My shoulder is outta whack, I’m not gonna even lie to you,” Lamb admitted, via Jon Machota and Saad Yousuf of The Athletic. “I’m just out there battling and doing what I do. It’s not fun.”

Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush praised Lamb for his dedication and performance, even while injured.

“He’s a warrior,” Rush said. “That guy is as tough as they come. He’s out there, moving him around, throwing it to him or handing it to him. It felt really good to get him down the field tonight. He’s been doing a lot of shorter stuff, throwing screens, yards-after-catch, and tonight he showed what he can do down the field, too.”

• According to NFL Media, Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy, OC Brian Schottenheimer, DC Mike Zimmer, and ST coordinator John Fassel are all on expiring contracts, and no discussions regarding new contracts have occurred so far. The report notes that McCarthy would also be free to explore other coaching opportunities this offseason.
• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones commented on the coaching staff and roster: “I can’t tell you how proud I am of the way the coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, the way that the leadership on this team, and really proud of these young players. They just are growing mentally and physically by leaps and bounds, makes me think we’ve got an outstanding future ahead of us.” (Jon Machota)

Giants

• Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Giants have yet to make a decision regarding the futures of HC Brian Daboll or GM Joe Schoen, with intentions to meet post-season to assess what went wrong.
• Russini noted that the two are not considered a package deal, despite being hired simultaneously and having aligned contracts.
• NFL Media indicates that there is a prevailing sense in league circles that Giants owner John Mara wants to fulfill his commitment from October to maintain Schoen and Daboll.
• However, reports confirm that no conclusive decision has been made, and the two men are not treated as a package deal, regardless of their outcomes.