Cowboys vs. Commanders: Old Friends, New Rivals, Big Injuries

Quinn, Dallas’ defensive coordinator until last season, isn’t the only familiar name for Cowboys fans. Commanders players Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, Tyler Biadasz, Noah Brown, and Noah Igbinoghene are all former Cowboys who followed Quinn to Washington during the offseason. Even Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was part of the Dallas coaching staff before making the move.

The stakes are clear. For Washington, this game is a chance to solidify its playoff position as the team fights to stay atop the NFC East race. For Dallas, it’s an opportunity to salvage pride in what’s shaping up to be a disappointing season. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 78-48-2, having won five of the last six matchups, but have struggled to maintain their dominance this season, dropping to 3-7 this year.

Dallas faces the additional challenge of multiple injuries heading into the matchup. Key players like CeeDee Lamb (back/foot), Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder), and Tyler Smith (ankle/knee) are on the injury report, with that threesome unable to practice as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Commanders aim to take advantage of their former teammates’ familiarity with Dallas’ system.

A win for Washington would further solidify its standing in the NFC playoff picture, while a loss for Dallas would underscore the challenges of their rebuilding phase while helping their draft chances. With so much at stake, this game promises intensity and emotion as old friends turn into fierce foes.