The Dallas Cowboys, riding a three-game winning streak, are preparing for a crucial Week 14 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Key developments include cornerback Trevon Diggs' designation for return to practice and the signing of speedy running back Israel Abanikanda. Both teams are dealing with injuries as Dallas aims to close the gap in the NFC playoff race.
The Dallas Cowboys enter NFL Week 14 with momentum after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving, and another recent win, marking three straight victories. This surge has positioned them one game behind the Lions in the win column, with a victory potentially helping secure the seventh NFC Wild Card spot.
In preparation for the Thursday night clash at Detroit—both teams' second consecutive Thursday game—the Cowboys made roster adjustments. They designated veteran cornerback Trevon Diggs for return to practice, with owner Jerry Jones indicating he could play barring a setback. Diggs has appeared in six games this season, his last against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, before a home concussion sidelined him ahead of Week 7 and led to injured reserve placement.
Dallas also signed running back Israel Abanikanda to bolster depth. The former fifth-round pick by the New York Jets in 2023 posted 1,431 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 239 carries at Pitt in 2022, plus 12 receptions for 146 yards and a score. Known for his sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash, Abanikanda draws comparisons to Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco and has brief stints with the Jets, 49ers, and Packers. Current Cowboys backs Javonte Williams and Malik Davis have contributed well recently.
Injuries persist for both sides: Cowboys' Diggs is limited in practice, while Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown did not participate. Betting odds list Detroit as 3.5-point home favorites per FanDuel, though reports vary slightly at 3 points. Dallas holds a 23% playoff chance per The Athletic.
Highlighting the streak, wide receiver George Pickens, acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, caught a crucial two-point conversion in the Chiefs win. His celebration—stretching arms to the sky—was inspired by Cowboys legend Terrell Owens' iconic pose on the star logo. Pickens leads Dallas with career highs: 73 receptions, 1,142 yards (second in NFL), and eight touchdowns (tied for third) through 12 games.
Players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Quinnen Williams, Javonte Williams, and DeMarvion Overshown will be key against the elite Lions squad.
