When the Dallas Cowboys took the field against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, they weren’t just playing for playoff positioning—they were playing with the kind of health they hadn’t seen all season. The team’s 4-5-1 record told one story. Their injury report told another: a dramatic turnaround. After months of being decimated by injuries, the Cowboys entered Week 12 with just two players listed as questionable—and one of them, Jadeveon Clowney, was the very player who had been their most disruptive pass rusher all year.
A Season of Scattered Injuries, Now a Surge of Health
Earlier in 2025, the Cowboys’ locker room resembled a triage unit. By Week 8, they had more players on injured reserve than healthy backups. Dak Prescott missed two practices in early November with a hip issue. Tyler Smith, their rising star at offensive tackle, was limping through drills with a nagging knee strain. Even Clowney, the 32-year-old veteran whose motor never quits, had been battling shoulder and neck soreness since mid-October.
But here’s the twist: by Friday, November 21, everything changed. Prescott not only practiced fully—he led the offense with his usual poise. Smith, too, was cleared without limitation. Defensive end Dante Fowler, safety Malik Hooker, and defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey (though ESPN later listed him as out) all made it back. The only real question marks? Clowney’s shoulder and Hakeem Adeniji’s mysterious illness. That’s it. Two players questionable. After weeks of eight or nine on the list, this was a miracle.
The Eagles’ Missing Lineman: A Gift Wrapped in Injury
Meanwhile, the Eagles were missing their anchor. Lane Johnson, the 34-year-old Pro Bowl right tackle and one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive linemen, was officially out with a foot injury. His absence wasn’t just a loss—it was a vulnerability. Johnson had allowed just 2.5 sacks all season. Without him, the Eagles’ right side became a liability, especially against a Cowboys defense that had suddenly regained its teeth.
“They’ve got Clowney, Fowler, Winfrey—if he plays—back in rotation,” said Tom Downey, host of Cowboys Report, in his November 23 YouTube analysis. “And now they’re facing a team that can’t protect the quarterback on the edge. That’s not luck. That’s timing.”
The Eagles’ injury report had its own complications. Center Cam Jurgens cleared concussion protocol and was cleared to play. But offensive tackle Myles Hinton and guard Willie Lampkin were both questionable despite full Friday practices. That’s a red flag. Teams don’t list players as questionable unless they’re still in pain—or worried about re-injury.
Prescott’s Unbeaten Streak at Home Against Division Rivals
Here’s the thing that makes this game feel different: Dak Prescott hasn’t lost to an NFC East opponent at AT&T Stadium since 2017. That’s eight straight wins—against the Giants, Redskins, and Eagles—on his home turf. He’s thrown 22 touchdowns in those games. Only once has he thrown an interception in this stretch. And now? He’s healthy. The offensive line is healthy. The defense? It’s back.
“It’s not just about the record,” said SI.com’s November 24 analysis. “It’s about momentum. The Cowboys are playing their best football of the season. And the Eagles? They’re missing their best lineman.”
The Eagles’ offense, which had been rolling with Jurgens at center and Johnson on the edge, now had to adjust. Rookie backup tackle Myles Hinton had never started against a pass rush like Clowney’s. And if Clowney played? That’s a nightmare scenario for Philadelphia.
Who’s Out? The Coach’s Call
Not every absence was injury-related. Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert and running back Jaydon Blue were listed as out—not because they were hurt, but because of “coach’s decision,” per ESPN’s November 23 report. That’s rare. It suggests either a lack of chemistry, a scheme mismatch, or a message being sent. With CeeDee Lamb and Xavier Worthy healthy, Tolbert’s role had been shrinking. Blue, a third-down back, had struggled in pass protection. Neither was a starter. But their absence signaled a shift: Mike McCarthy was trimming the roster to the essentials.
Meanwhile, injured reserve held Ajani Cornelius (knee), Jack Sanborn (groin), and Juanyeh Thomas (non-football illness). And despite practicing Thursday, Trevon Diggs remained out with concussion and knee concerns. The Cowboys were thin at cornerback, but they were deep everywhere else.
What’s Next? The Ripple Effect
If the Cowboys win, they’re 5-5-1. Suddenly, the playoff race isn’t dead—it’s alive. They’re tied with the Giants and one game behind the Commanders. But if they lose? They’re back to being a .500 team with no momentum. The stakes are high, but the conditions are perfect.
Clowney’s health will be the story. If he plays, even at 70%, he’ll command double teams. That frees up Fowler and Winfrey to collapse the pocket. If he doesn’t? The Eagles still have to account for him on the sideline—because his presence alone changes how they block.
This isn’t just a game. It’s a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Clowney’s questionable status impact the Cowboys’ defense?
Even if Jadeveon Clowney plays at 70%, his presence forces the Eagles to double-team him, which opens lanes for Dante Fowler and Perrion Winfrey to attack the quarterback. His ability to disrupt the edge is irreplaceable—Philadelphia’s backup tackle, Myles Hinton, has never faced a rusher of his caliber. Without Clowney, the Cowboys’ pass rush loses its most dangerous weapon.
Why is Dak Prescott’s home record against NFC East teams significant?
Prescott has won eight straight home games against NFC East rivals since 2017, throwing 22 touchdowns and just one interception in that span. He thrives under pressure in front of his home crowd, and this game comes at a time when the Cowboys’ offensive line is finally healthy—giving him time to find his targets. That history adds psychological weight to the matchup.
What does the absence of Lane Johnson mean for the Eagles’ offense?
Johnson, a Pro Bowl tackle, had allowed just 2.5 sacks all season. His replacement, Myles Hinton, is a rookie backup with limited experience. Without Johnson, the Eagles’ right side becomes a target for Clowney and Fowler, likely forcing quarterback Jalen Hurts into quicker throws or scrambles—exactly what Dallas wants. The Eagles’ offensive line depth is now exposed.
Why were Jalen Tolbert and Jaydon Blue inactive due to "coach’s decision"?
Tolbert had been underperforming in route precision and blocking, while Blue struggled in pass protection—a critical flaw in Mike McCarthy’s system. Their inactivity wasn’t injury-related but strategic: the Cowboys are prioritizing reliability over depth. With CeeDee Lamb and Xavier Worthy healthy, the team chose to roll with proven contributors in key situations.
How does this injury report compare to the Cowboys’ earlier season struggles?
At the start of November, Dallas had nine players on injured reserve and five more questionable. By Week 12, only two players were questionable, and the core of the defense and offense was intact. This turnaround—from a team fighting to field a full roster to one nearly at full strength—is one of the most dramatic improvements in the NFL this season.
What’s the key matchup to watch on Sunday?
The battle between Jadeveon Clowney (if he plays) and the Eagles’ right tackle position. If Clowney can pressure Jalen Hurts consistently, it disrupts Philadelphia’s rhythm and forces mistakes. If he’s held in check, the Eagles’ offense can control the clock. This matchup will decide whether Dallas wins or if Philadelphia pulls off the upset.