Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: Amari Cooper, DeMarcus Lawrence will return Week 13 vs. Saints
The Dallas Cowboys are still in first place in the NFC East at 7-4, but they've lost back-to-back games and three of their last four contests. When they play the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 on "Thursday Night Football," they should be close to full strength.
Cooper tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Cowboys' Week 11 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs, and because he is unvaccinated, the wideout has missed the last two contests. The four-time Pro Bowler still ranks second on the team behind CeeDee Lamb in receiving yards (583) and receiving touchdowns (five), while placing third in targets (65) and receptions (44).
Lawrence has been on injured reserve since mid-September after breaking a bone in his foot. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end led all Dallas players in tackles for loss (11), sacks (6.5) and forced fumbles (four) in 2020.
Jones discussed one more noteworthy item on Tuesday morning regarding one of the Cowboys star players and their status for Thursday's game. At the end of last week, it was reported that the team was considering limiting starting running back's Ezekiel Elliott's touches against the Saints in an effort to give him rest for the stretch run, and they were even thinking about sitting him on Thursday.
Jones said on Tuesday that that isn't the case.
Elliott has gained 720 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns on the ground via 160 carries in 11 games this season, while adding 38 receptions for 228 yards and one score through the air.
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