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Dallas Cowboys Injury Report: Latest on Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper

What is the latest regarding the Dallas Cowboys' Week 13 injury report, including updates on CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Ezekiel Elliott?

The Dallas Cowboys ‘ injury report is sure to be the center of much attention heading into Week 13 after several absences and injuries dominated the headlines leading into their Thanksgiving game. What is the latest from the Cowboys’ injury report, including updates on Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper?

Dallas Cowboys Injury Report | Ezekiel Elliott a full participant despite bone bruise concerns

The reports from the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game suggested RB Ezekiel Elliott was struggling with a bone bruise. It implied Elliott could have limitations going forward. However, Elliott was a full participant on Monday of Week 13. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys give Elliott any days off this week.

The fact Elliott was not even listed as a limited participant on the injury report to open Week 13 was an improvement from last week when he was limited on Monday. Could we see Elliott retain his role as the team’s lead back despite Tony Pollard’s recent impressive performances?

CeeDee Lamb set to return for Cowboys in Week 13

On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that WR CeeDee Lamb is set to return from his concussion ahead of the Cowboys’ Week 13 game . This is hardly a surprise given that Lamb was considered close to playing in Week 12, only to be ruled out by the independent neurologist Thursday morning.

Lamb spoke to the media after practice on Monday this week. The Dallas WR revealed that he would play in Week 13 after clearing the concussion protocol following the game against the Raiders. Lamb is listed on the injury report, but he has been a full participant both days.

Amari Cooper’s status for Thursday remains up in the air

The Cowboys were also without WR Amari Cooper in both of their last two games. Cooper tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Week 11. However, as he was unvaccinated, Cooper was ruled out for Week 12 due to the mandatory 10-day quarantine period.

On Monday, QB Dak Prescott confirmed that Cooper was back in the building but not present on the practice field . Cooper was there to take a conditioning test ahead of the Cowboys’ medical staff clearing him for return.

On Tuesday, Jerry Jones said that Cooper will step up his work today . However, Cooper is still dealing with a cough and it is to be determined if he will practice Tuesday. If Cooper does not practice by Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn’t “see him going to the game.”

Cooper remains in the COVID-19 protocol according to Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. Cooper did not participate in the walkthrough and has not been activated back to the 53-man roster. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that Cooper is expected to travel with the team and play on Thursday . Cooper was later activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list . He was listed as questionable on the Cowboys’ final injury report.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News , Amari Cooper mostly watched during 7-on-7 warmups and didn’t take a single rep in 11-on-11 drills before the game.

Which other Cowboys are on the injury report in Week 13?

The Cowboys’ Week 13 injury report is somewhat light. The biggest concern is for WR Cedrick Wilson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Wilson was unable to participate in practice Monday and through Wednesday and is listed as out. The good news offensively is that OT Tyron Smith is not present on the injury report.

On defense, DE Tarell Basham is the only name on the Cowboys’ injury report. The pass rusher was a limited participant with a chest injury Monday, before being updated to a full participant on Tuesday. DeMarcus Lawrence is not on the injury report as he is on IR. Expectations are he will be active for Week 13 against the Saints.

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2021 Dallas Cowboys Injuries

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Tyron Smith injury update: Cowboys LT suffers avulsion fracture of knee, hopes for December return, per report

Dallas plans to use in-house replacements to replace smith, who's dealt with injuries over the past several seasons.

Disaster struck the Dallas Cowboys ' offensive line on Wednesday. Star left tackle Tyron Smith suffered a torn hamstring while making a block during practice, according to ESPN . A further report from NFL Network clarified that Smith suffered an avulsion fracture in his knee, which involves the hamstring tendon tearing off the bone. The NFL Network adds that Smith's surgery will take place on Friday and the hope is he returns by December. 

Smith, 31, has dealt with a variety of injury issues over the past several seasons, having missed at least three games every year since 2016. When healthy, he remains one of the game's top tackles and is an eight-time Pro Bowler, but the "when healthy" qualifier is increasingly necessary. 

Dallas is already undergoing massive changes along the offensive line this season, with the team having let left guard Connor Williams leave in free agency and then cut ties with right tackle La'el Collins . The former was expected to be replaced by first-round pick Tyler Smith , whom the team identified as its left tackle of the future but also someone who could start at guard next to Tyron Smith in the short term. 

It's possible that in the wake of Tyron Smith's serious injury, the Cowboys simply kick their first-round pick outside right away, speeding up the process of moving on from the potential future Hall of Famer who has held down the left side of the line since 2012 (Smith played right tackle as a rookie in 2011.) The other in-house options are 2021 fourth-round pick Josh Ball , who has largely struggled during training camp, 2022 fifth-rounder Matt Waletzko , who has played exclusively on the right side during camp and is coming off an injury, and veteran swing tackle Aviante Collins , who has played just five games since going undrafted out of TCU in 2017. 

According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, the current plan is to replace Smith with one of the in-house options, but the Cowboys will monitor roster moves around the league and determine whether to acquire another offensive lineman.

There are free agent tackles still available, such as Eric Fisher  and Jason Peters, and there have been rumors about the Patriots making Isaiah Wynn available via trade. Dallas has plenty of cap space to make a signing or trade if it wants to bring someone in from outside the organization. No matter which route the Cowboys ultimately choose, though, they are extremely unlikely to get the level of production from any of those options that they have come to expect from Smith. For an offense that struggled down the stretch of last season as the offensive line dealt with injuries and ineffective play, it's a devastating loss. 

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First week 1 injury report has 3 cowboys dnps, but lewis as full participant, share this article.

Wednesday brought Cowboys Nation its first game-week injury report of the new season, and while offensive lineman Tyler Smith’s hamstring strain was enough to keep him from practicing with the team, there was still good news to be found on the other side of the ball.

An offer for Cowboys fans

Not practicing on Wednesday certainly doesn’t rule someone out for Sunday, but the Cowboys have three key players who will now need to show marked progress over the next couple days in order to be considered ready to suit up for the 2023 opener in New York.

The Giants have more names listed on their midweek report, but all were classified as being limited participants.

OL Tyler Smith (hamstring) : Did not participate

Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Smith suffered a hamstring injury during individual drills on Monday. A precautionary MRI showed it to be a strain; head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that he’s hopeful the second-year man can get in some work Thursday or Friday.

DE Sam Williams (toe) : Did not participate

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Williams is dealing with turf toe, an injury that has kept him off the practice field since last Wednesday. “I think both of them are in a similar category,” McCarthy said of Williams and Smith. “They’ll work with Britt [Brown, associate athletic trainer and director of rehabilitation]. The goal is to get them out to practice by the end of the week.”

Safety Donovan Wilson (calf) : Did not participate

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson’s calf injury came on the first day of training camp. The injury was expected to keep him sidelined for 4-6 weeks; Wednesday was, in fact, the six-week mark. Earlier in the week, McCarthy said the veteran was “getting close” to a return.

CB Jourdan Lewis (foot) : Full participant

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis’s participation was the surprise of the day. Despite not being expected to practice at all this week, the cornerback proved why the club was right to keep him off the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season. The foot injury Lewis suffered in Week 7 last year was significant, though, so while his presence in the team session Wednesday was a welcome sight, he’s not yet a lock to be fully ready for game action this weekend.

New York Giants : 6 players limited

The full Giants Week 1 injury report for Wednesday. Everyone practiced. These seven players were listed as limited: WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) RB Gary Brightwell (ankle) LB Cam Brown (ankle) TE Lawrence Cager (ankle) DL D.J. Davidson (knee) CB Cor'Dale Flott (hamstring) S… — Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 6, 2023

Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was activated from the Giants’ PUP list on cutdown day as he moves closer to a return from the ACL tear he sustained in Week 11 last season.

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• Cowboys injury report: Tyler Smith, Stephon Gilmore playing, 2 Packers’ starters questionable

Here is the Dallas Cowboys final injury report. Everyone available except questionable Cooper Rush

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Share All sharing options for: Cowboys injury report: Tyler Smith, Stephon Gilmore playing, 2 Packers’ starters questionable

This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys look to exorcise a playoff demon in the form of the Green Bay Packers , whom they have not beaten in the postseason since 1996. Mike McCarthy, who was coaching Green Bay the last time they faced the Cowboys in the postseason, hopes to improve to a 12-10 record in his postseason career. The Cowboys are favored to win as the home team by seven points. It’s hard to say the contrasting health of each team doesn’t play a factor. Here is where the Cowboys stand regarding injuries heading into Wild Card Weekend.

The final injury report for #Packers at #Cowboys on Sunday #GoPackGo #GBvsDAL #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8qNDxo2QyG — Arrick Upton (@ArrickUptonGB) January 12, 2024

Stephon Gilmore once again worked into team activities in a limited way. Gilmore carries no injury designation, and he all but guaranteed that he would play Sunday, and two days of practice to end the week practically assures that.

Tyler Smith practiced again Friday, this time in full and is also expected to play this weekend.

Dorance Armstrong and Malik Hooker, both of whom have ankle injuries, practiced on Friday in a full capacity. Both will play on Sunday. Jonathan Hankins was upgraded to a full practice today with an ankle injury. Zack Martin and Tyron Smith were removed off the injury report as they are rested and ready to go for Sunday. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush did not practice Friday with an illness and cited as questionable. He is the only Cowboy with an injury designation for the game.

As for the Packers, injuries are taking their toll. Several prominent players are in question about playing on Sunday.

Wide receiver Christian Watson is questionable. Watson has not played since Week 13 after injuring his hamstring. Jaire Alexander suffered an ankle injury at practice this week and is also questionable. Meanwhile, A.J. Dillon has been ruled as doubt by the team.

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How DaRon Bland broke NFL pick-6 record, Cowboys dominated Commanders on Thanksgiving Day

DaRon Bland highlights Cowboys’ Thanksgiving win

DaRon Bland broke the NFL pick-six record as Dak Prescott continued his stellar play from the last few weeks to push the Dallas Cowboys to a 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving. Here’s what you need to know:

• Bland broke the NFL single-season record for interception returns for a touchdown with his fifth TD of the 2023 campaign. He intercepted the Commanders’ Sam Howell with less than five minutes left in the game for a 63-yard TD return.
• The Cowboys quarterback went 22-of-32 passing for 331 yards with four touchdowns for a 142.1 passer rating. Prescott threw TD passes to CeeDee Lamb , Brandin Cooks , Rico Dowdle and KaVontae Turpin .
• The Cowboys (8-3) have won five of their last six games. The Commanders (4-8) have lost three in a row and five of their last six games.

Cowboys’ DaRon Bland, NFL’s pick-6 king

Twenty-one years ago at Texas Stadium, Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton’s record to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.

“Move over, Sweetness! Make a place for Emmitt!” longtime Cowboys play-by-play voice Brad Sham said on the radio call that day.

On Thursday, sweetness once again took a backseat, as bland became the flavor of the day. In the fourth quarter of a game that had devolved into a laugher with Dak Prescott and the offense stealing the headlines, DaRon Bland intercepted a Sam Howell pass and returned it 63 yards for a record-breaking touchdown to become the headline in the Cowboys’ 45-10 victory.

“I just heard the crowd erupt,” Prescott said. “I looked up, looked on the screen and saw No. 26 had the ball in his hands. At that point, I just sprinted to the sidelines to get a good view.”

Bland’s trip to the end zone was his fifth of the season, breaking a four-way tie for the most interceptions returned for a touchdown in one season. Among Cowboys, only CeeDee Lamb with his six touchdown receptions has caught more balls for touchdowns than Bland.

Read more here.

After Commanders’ embarrassment in Dallas, cold reality sets in

Legendary singer Dolly Parton entertained the Thanksgiving Day halftime crowd at AT&T Stadium and a national television audience with an upbeat performance, including some of her greatest hits. She left the sad vibes for the reeling Washington Commanders.

“I don’t know how you wrap your head around this,” somber wide receiver Terry McLaurin said.

The notion of “this” is far more interesting than the outcome of the game. The overt explanation was represented by the 45-10 thrashing at the hands of the in-game-turkey-eating Dallas Cowboys. It wasn’t Washington’s first dubious loss of the season — or heck, even of the week. Last Sunday’s setback against a two-win New York Giants team with a third-string quarterback effectively ended any notion of a playoff push.

The despondency in the quiet visiting locker room after the game suggested that recognition was hitting home.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott’s confidence shows in results and planning TD celebrations

Dak Prescott has been playing with so much confidence that he approached Mike McCarthy before Thursday’s game with an idea about a touchdown celebration.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback wanted turkey legs placed in each of the four Salvation Army red kettles in the AT&T Stadium end zones. If the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Washington Commanders got out of hand late, Cowboys players would celebrate by grabbing the legs and taking bites out of them in the end zone.

Prescott had the discussion with McCarthy while the head coach was talking with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“(Jones) was all for it,” McCarthy said. “So, I just told them that that game better be well out of hand before we start pulling turkey (legs) out of a kettle can. That was a little different pregame for me.”

Fortunately for Prescott, McCarthy and Jones, the game became quite lopsided in the final eight minutes as Dallas eventually cruised to a 45-10 win.

Magic Johnson's postgame analysis

Commanders part owner Magic Johnson weighs in on the team’s blowout loss with his, let’s call it unique, brand of analysis.

Rivera 'not worried' about job security

Ron Rivera told reporters he is not worried about his job security after another Commanders loss. Rivera also declined to discuss whether there could be changes made to his staff.

Could there be changes in Washington after this blowout?

NFL Network reported earlier Thursday owner Josh Harris planned to evaluate the status of coach Ron Rivera after the season, “barring unforeseen circumstances.” Would a 35-point loss to a division rival on national television qualify?

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio could be on the hot seat after his unit — which entered the week ranked 29th in total defense and last in scoring defense — allowed 431 yards and 45 points against the Cowboys.

Whether or not changes happen before the end of the season, Rivera’s fate appears all but sealed as the Commanders head toward their fourth straight non-winning campaign under his watch.

Cowboys D/ST makes scoring look easy

The Cowboys D/ST is making scoring 10-plus points look easy. The record-setting pick six by DaRon Bland gives Dallas 15 points today.

Barring a late point reduction due to the Commanders scoring in garbage time, this will be the fourth time in the past five weeks the Cowboys have generated 11-plus points and the seventh time this season.

DaRon Bland sets single-season pick-six record

The Cowboys lost 41-16 to Washington the last time these teams met on Thanksgiving, back in 2020, and they have certainly turned the tables today.

KaVontae Turpin celebrated his touchdown by leaping into a Salvation Army bin behind the end zone, where — according to Tracy Wolfson on the CBS broadcast — the Cowboys had a turkey leg stowed. Dak Prescott munched on the leg while heading back to the sideline.

Minutes later, DaRon Bland intercepted Sam Howell and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, setting the single-season NFL record for pick sixes with his fifth.

Washington's defense falls apart

After a strong start to the second half, the Commanders’ defense has completely fallen apart in the fourth quarter. On third-and-6, the pass rush failed to get home, and Dak Prescott had time to find KaVontae Turpin down the middle of the field for a 34-yard touchdown.

It’s 38-10 with 5:59 to play, and Washington is headed toward its eighth loss in 10 games.

This game is all but over

Washington rookie defensive back Quan Martin got matched up on CeeDee Lamb, and it went about how you might expect. Lamb got free for a 15-yard touchdown from Dak Prescott.

The ensuing two-point conversion — also converted by Lamb after initially being ruled incomplete — makes it 31-10 Dallas with 10:32 to play.

Commanders offense sputters

Needing two touchdowns, the Commanders’ first possession of the fourth quarter was a disaster. Sam Howell took a 7-yard sack, then nearly threw a pick six to Cowboys linebacker/safety Markquese Bell.

Washington picked up 16 yards on third down, but Howell was sacked again on fourth-and-1, the second fourth-and-1 failure of the half for the Commanders. The Cowboys now have a chance to put the game away.

Washington needs to get going

The Commanders’ defense forced two punts to open the second half, then stiffened on the next drive to hold the Cowboys to a field goal, as Brandon Aubrey connected from 52 yards. But now Washington’s offense needs to get moving, as Dallas leads 23-10 with 13:36 to play.

The Commanders have not gone three-and-out all afternoon, but have managed just one touchdown in seven possessions.

Season-low fantasy points for Lamb

CeeDee Lamb was winning fantasy games almost by himself in Weeks 8 through 10. He scored an insanely high 108.6 PPR points in that span and tallied 28.1 or more in each of those games.

He fell short of that sky high pace in Week 11, but fantasy managers were still happy with his 16.5 PPR points. That hasn’t been the case today.

Lamb has tallied only 4.4 PPR points thus far but it hasn’t been due to a lack of targets. He has seven of those, and part of it is due to an overthrow by Dak Prescott in the first quarter that could have led to a long touchdown catch. All fantasy managers know is that if Lamb doesn’t step up, he will have a rare bad game.

Point spread hasn’t expanded much

The point spread for the Commanders-Cowboys game began with Dallas listed at -13 points. Despite the Cowboys having a 20-10 lead early in the third quarter, Dallas is still listed at only -13.5 points in live in-game betting at BetMGM.

This shows the betting public still has some faith in the Commanders to put up more points in this matchup, as they don’t yet see a true blowout occurring.

Commanders’ season may be all about the future

Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images

That conversation typically is about quarterback Sam Howell, but there’s a worthy discussion about running back Brian Robinson turning into a three-down back.

The second-year player from the University of Alabama was Washington’s most consistent offensive performer this season even before a solid start against the Cowboys. Robinson provides power in the ground game but has become a surprising receiving threat.

Entering Thanksgiving with 13 receptions in the prior two games, he beat the Dallas defense with a 19-yard reception on the opening drive.

Robinson was also averaging 4.5 yards per carry. That is until carries for one-yard on second-and-two and a loss of two on fourth-and-one from the Dallas 39. Running into a motioning wide receiver Jahan Dotson wasn’t part of the plan, but it made the lowlights as the Cowboys regained possession with a 20-10 lead.

Whatever happens with this team this offseason, Robinson is a positive piece. Options begin thinning after him.

Commanders come up short on fourth down

The Commanders had a strong start to the second half, forcing a quick Cowboys punt and then driving 51 yards and inside the Dallas 40-yard line.

But on third-and-1, Sam Howell’s deep pass down the sideline to Terry McLaurin was broken up by Stephon Gilmore, and a handoff to Brian Robinson was stuffed on fourth-and-1. The Cowboys take over still leading 20-10 midway through the third quarter.

Prescott on pace for another 30-plus point game

No fantasy quarterback has been winning more games for fantasy managers of late than Dak Prescott. After a relatively subpar showing for him in Week 11 (16.16 points), Prescott is back to his league-winning form.

His 221 passing yards, 10 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns resulted in 17.84 first-half points.

Cowboys were in full first-half groove

It feels like the Cowboys have been playing the exact same game for the past three weeks. They come into the game as the heavy favorites, it takes them just a little bit to get going but then once they do, they're an absolute force. The offense, in particular, looks like a well-oiled machine right now.

Obviously, Dak Prescott is the leader in that but his supporting cast is heavily involved. It started with a 35-yard catch by Jake Ferguson in what may have been Prescott's best pass of the season. Prescott was backed up deep in his own end and threw a laser down the seam to Ferguson in triple coverage.

Later in the half, Brandin Cooks ran a beautiful route and got wide open in the end zone. Then, on the final drive of the half, Tony Pollard finished in the end zone with authority for a second consecutive week.

The defense has been playing well, too. The pass rush is getting home, which was expected against Howell, who has been sacked the most in the NFL this year. DaRon Bland had a drive in which he got picked on but that could very well be a precursor to him making a big play in the second half.

Overall, the Cowboys are in full groove right now and just need to keep their foot on the gas.

Dak Prescott continues to impress

Tim Heitman / USA Today

Dak Prescott is playing so well lately that even when he throws an incomplete pass to one of his wide receivers, it bounces right to another wide receiver – which happened today late in the second quarter. Prescott has played arguably the best football of his eight-year career since the loss in San Francisco on Oct. 8.

Today against the Commanders, Prescott has completed 13 of his 18 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 150.5 passer rating.

“He lives in the shadow of Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman,” former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason said on the CBS pregame show while speaking of Prescott. “He's great during the regular season. He's got to win in the postseason. That's where everybody is going to judge him, unfortunately. I think as all of us look at him, he's right smack dab in the middle of the MVP conversation right now.”

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Oregon Football’s Royce Freeman Reveals Belief In Coach Dan Lanning, Big Ten Conference

Bri amaranthus | may 28, 2024.

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Former Oregon Duck Royce Freeman is etched in Oregon history as one of the best Duck running backs of all time. The Eugene community and Oregon football program run deep in Freeman’s heart as well. 

After shattering nearly every rushing record for Oregon and the Pac-12 Conference , Freeman was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third-round 2018 NFL Draft. The Imperial, California native now plays for the Dallas Cowboys in his sixth NFL season. 

Freeman beams with pride when he speaks on his alma mater and coach Dan Lanning as they enter into their inaugural season the Big Ten conference. 

“I think coach Lanning is doing it right,” Freeman told Oregon SI’s Bri Amaranthus . “He’s developing the guys that he wants and has the coaching staff around him to do the same. The team wants to win. Building that in the small community of Eugene, it really rallies behind the Ducks. It's only up from here.”

“ Coach Lanning out there building so much talent in our organization,” Freeman told Amaranthus. “I think they're going to do great things.”

Freeman understands the DNA of a winning football team. As a freshman, he led the Ducks to the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2014. Ironically, the Ducks faced the Ohio State Buckeyes and his now-Dallas teammate Ezekiel Elliott in his now-home stadium, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

A “full circle moment,” Freeman told Amaranthus.

A member of “America’s Team,” Freeman will be featured in six prime time games this upcoming NFL season. 

Freeman feels bittersweet sentiment as the Pac-12 is dismantled but he recognized the benefits to Oregon’s games being featured in better time slots.

“Sometimes the Pac-12 gets overlooked because of the time of play,” Freeman told Amaranthus. “For Oregon to have more prime time games, I think that's a big positive. I'm excited for them to go show out and show everybody else in the Big Ten what they can do… The competitive nature of the Big Ten, I think it’s good for Oregon.”

Freeman’s love for the Ducks is reciprocated by fans who have enjoyed cheering him since barreling on the scene as a freshman All-American. 

During his time as a Duck, Freeman became Oregon's all-time leader in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, points scored, 100-yard games and carries.

He set Pac-12 record with 64 total touchdowns and became the conference’s all-time leading rusher (5,600 yards.)

With the star on his helmet, Freeman will now compete for major playing time for the Cowboys in 2024. He’s already impressing and surprising Dallas coach Mike McCarthy for his size and ability to quickly adjust to the Cowboys. 

… And you’ll also find him cheering on the Ducks on Saturdays. 

BRI AMARANTHUS