NFC East

Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson called out some Dallas Cowboys fans for booing and throwing trash at Dak Prescott as he went to the locker room during Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This is unacceptable, you’re supposed to love your players especially your QB 🫶🏽 https://t.co/wr9Fdv3r74

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 12, 2022

Fans were incensed by the putrid play of the Cowboys offense and particularly the struggles of Prescott, who threw for just 134 yards and an interception before exiting late in the fourth quarter.

The two-time Pro Bowler was diagnosed with a fractured right thumb and is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"It's very disappointing, but injuries happen, can't necessarily control it, just unfortunate," Prescott told reporters after the game. "Obviously going to miss some time, not be there for my team and that's what hurts more than anything, especially after the start we just put out there. Wanted to be able to respond, and not necessarily having that opportunity for several weeks, yeah it's unfortunate. But I'll do what I've always done anytime adversity comes: take it on head-first and give my best, and I'm sure I'll come out of this thing better."

It's nearly certain none of the fans that took issue with Prescott's play knew the severity of the injury. Even Prescott himself said he believed he just jammed the thumb until X-rays revealed the fracture.

That said, it's an awful look for fans to boo any player coming off the field with an injury—and even worse to throw projectiles in his direction. The Cowboys should and likely will review security footage and permanently ban any fan that attempted to harm one of their players with a projectile.

There is no situation where that type of behavior is warranted.

The Dallas Cowboys put forth an abysmal offensive effort in Sunday's 19-3 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a disappointing way to open the 2022 season for Dallas, which is hoping to be a contender in the NFC this year.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott struggled to get anything going Sunday and finished with 134 yards and an interception on 14-of-29 passing. He exited in the fourth quarter after hitting his throwing hand on a helmet.

Prescott was examined by the team's medical staff on the sidelines before heading into the locker room for X-rays, and he didn't return. Cowboys CEO Jerry Jones later told reporters Prescott is expected to miss "several weeks" and will require surgery.

The Cowboys' rushing attack wasn't much better, as Dallas ran the ball just 18 times and gained 71 yards on the ground.

The game did nothing to inspire confidence in Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who made some questionable decisions Sunday. Many believe McCarthy is on the hot seat this year, and the team's performance against the Bucs didn't help change that perception.

Both Prescott and McCarthy were subjected to the wrath of NFL Twitter after their Sunday-night stinker:

So DAK can get paid but Lamar can’t 😂😂 this is crazy

— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) September 12, 2022

Awful interception from Dak Prescott.

Protection can't last. Nobody getting open. Forcing to CeeDee.

If only there had been a huge window of time for the Cowboys to add players to help them.

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 12, 2022

Again, poor choices from Dak. Lamb was wide open near the sideline for the first down.

He goes to the tougher option.

Dallas might be missing players. But it doesn’t absolve Dak Prescott. He hasn’t played well tonight.

— Jason Page (@TheBackPage) September 12, 2022

Anecdotally feel like Dak Prescott gets away with more near picks than any other ‘top’ QB.

Should easily have more than 1 INT tonight.

— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) September 12, 2022

Dak Prescott misses an open Noah Brown badly... and the boo birds are out.

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 12, 2022

Dak Prescott is getting destroyed.

He can thank Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones for their brilliant team-building and support.

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 12, 2022

Can we fire Mike McCarthy?

PLEASE? #TBvsDAL

— Celene Zavala (@Celenerz) September 12, 2022

Mike McCarthy is such a bad coach.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 12, 2022

The state of Texas has an issue currently with coaches underperforming relative to the talent they have on their team.

Saw it yesterday with Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, and tonight with Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys.

Both offenses looking ugly this weekend, at home no less.

— Jonathan Acosta (@_jacosta) September 12, 2022

https://twitter.com/Tyler_Greever/status/1569157075242205184

Did Mike McCarthy punt from minefield down 19-3 in 4Q. I find that an odd bit of strategy.

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 12, 2022

Conservative decisions to punt will never cease to amaze me. That wasn’t as bad as Lovie Smith earlier but still egregious from Mike McCarthy.

— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) September 12, 2022

The #Cowboys offense has been so ineffective that Mike McCarthy hasn't even had an opportunity to mismanage the clock.

— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) September 12, 2022

This Cowboys offense is putting me to sleep

— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) September 12, 2022

Even the Cowboys might not be safe against App State with the look of this offense tonight.

— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) September 12, 2022

That right side of the Cowboys line is getting dominated vs the run here. Almost looking for blocks to get hung up on.

— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) September 12, 2022

The Cowboys offense is what the Bears offense was supposed to be.

— Dan Molloy (@DanMolloyTV) September 12, 2022

Cowboys have been atrocious on offense tonight and I honestly can't think of a more worse QB performance in Dak Prescott's career #DallasCowboys

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 12, 2022

The Cowboys offense was a far cry from the group that led the league with 407.0 yards and 31.2 points per game in 2021. Dallas has a lot of time to figure things out, but Sunday's performance was cause for concern.

Losing Prescott for the next several weeks is a major blow to the Cowboys offense. It will be interesting to see what adjustments Dallas makes going forward to ensure another dreadful performance doesn't happen again, especially now with Cooper Rush slated to be the team's starter. He filled in for Prescott once in 2021 and threw for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Saquon Barkley is officially back.

The superstar running back played a monster role in the New York Giants' 21-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Sunday's season opener at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Barkley rushed for 164 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries, caught six passes for 30 yards and converted a critical two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter to lift the Giants to victory.

RIGHT WHEN WE NEEDED IT 🙌

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/jUGL1l7VkR

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 11, 2022

TO THE HOUSE 🏠

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/DF2XE4llrc

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 11, 2022

OHHHHH MY SAQUON!

📺: @NFLonFOX & Giants App pic.twitter.com/pWExffHNTd

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 11, 2022

Barkley's performance sent Twitter into a frenzy:

Saquon Barkley to your fantasy team pic.twitter.com/Vxv4z6rCoI

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) September 11, 2022

Saquon is back. He has 180 total yards already. Looks incredible.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 11, 2022

That boy @saquon is backkkkkkkkkk

— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) September 11, 2022

https://twitter.com/MattLombardoNFL/status/1569102910528659461

Saquon is special

— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) September 11, 2022

Hell yea two-6!! I see @saquon. Remind them bruh.

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 11, 2022

Saquon Barkley carried the Giants today: 18 carries, 6 receptions, 194 total yards and a TD.

He's back.

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2022

That looked like Penn State Saquon.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 11, 2022

Thank God for Saquon. Don't care what happens. He is him pic.twitter.com/GScR8BTLVw

— awthentik (@awthentik) September 11, 2022

https://twitter.com/chubznxtdoor/status/1569103240549236736

Seeing a fit and healthy Saquon Barkley back excelling on the field has been a real highlight of this first Sunday.

— Sam Farley (@FarleyWrites) September 11, 2022

The Giants selected Barkley second overall in the 2018 NFL draft out of Penn State, and he went on to have an incredible rookie season, rushing for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, in addition to catching 91 passes for 721 yards and four scores.

He went on to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned a Pro Bowl nod.

During the 2019 campaign, he rushed for 1,003 yards and six scores and caught 52 passes for 438 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. He missed three games with a sprained ankle.

After two solid seasons to start his career, Barkley was slated to have a monster 2020 season. However, he tore his ACL in Week 2 and missed the remainder of the year.

The 25-year-old returned in 2021 but only appeared in 13 games because of another ankle injury. He rushed for 593 yards and two touchdowns and caught 41 passes for 263 yards and two scores.

Barkley entered this season back at full strength, and his performance Sunday is only a preview of what's to come.

The Dallas Cowboys had a "scare" with quarterback Dak Prescott ahead of their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

Glazer reported Sunday that Prescott "felt like something popped" at the start of Thursday's practice. Subsequent X-rays on his foot were negative.

First hit on @NFLonFOX for this year! The Inside scoop week 1! Here is what you need to know on the Lamar Jackson contract situation in #Baltimore, how team leaders for the #49ers have Trey Lance’s back as the starter, & a scare in #Dallas with Dak Prescott that was avoided. pic.twitter.com/03nUueSQAU

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 11, 2022

A calf issue ruled the two-time Pro Bowler out for Dallas' Week 8 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings last year, but the Cowboys still picked up a 20-16 win thanks to Cooper Rush's 325 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Rush's heroics made for a great story, but nobody questioned Prescott's value to the offense.

After a fractured ankle and dislocation ended his 2020 season, the 28-year-old didn't miss a beat in 2021. In 16 games, he threw for 4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 68.8 percent of his passes.

The larger questions about Dallas and its starting quarterback reemerged, however, after the team lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Prescott is nonetheless significantly better than any alternative the Cowboys can throw out there. None of Rush, Will Grier or Ben DiNucci will inspire much confidence if one has to be deputized as Prescott's replacement.

After an offseason in which the franchise was unable to make many upgrades, its fortunes might hinge even larger on Prescott's performance for better or worse.

New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux is doubtful for the team's season opener Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Thibodeaux has been dealing with a knee injury and has been limited in practice all week.

On Aug. 22, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thibodeaux was expected to be sidelined three to four weeks with a sprained MCL. The Giants were hopeful he would play Week 1.

"Fingers crossed," Giants head coach Brian Daboll said at the time. "Hopefully his rehab goes well and he can get out there as soon as he can."

The rookie defensive end suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 21 when he was cut-blocked by tight end Thaddeus Moss, who has since been released and is a free agent.

Thibodeaux was asked by reporters earlier this week if he thought Moss made a dirty play, but said he just wants to move on from the incident.

"I try not to think about the past," Thibodeaux said, adding that he spoke with Moss afterward. "I’m not really worried about it. We’re trying to move forward, trying to get better. Make sure you play with good technique. It’s football—100 percent injury rate."

The Giants selected Thibodeaux fifth in the 2022 draft out of Oregon, where he had a standout college career. During the 2021 season, he posted seven sacks, 49 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 10 games.

If Thibodeaux can't suit up Sunday, Oshane Ximines and Tomon Fox figure to see more playing time.

The Giants will hope Thibodeaux can return for a Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers at home.

Dak Prescott was limited in Thursday's practice because his new cleats were bothering his surgically repaired ankle, but the Dallas Cowboys quarterback insisted while speaking with reporters that he's never felt better.

"I promise you I'm great," Prescott said, per ESPN's Todd Archer, adding, "Just being very, very precautious. Switched shoes today, probably wasn't the best idea. We're good to go. Promise that."

Prescott was trying to break in a new pair of Jordan 11s, a cleat style he wore during the 2021 season, during Thursday's practice. He was wearing Jordan 1s throughout training camp this summer and intends to continue wearing them after the Jordan 11s caused his ankle to feel "uncomfortable."

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed on 105.3 The Fan's Shan and RJ Show that Prescott is OK and plans haven't changed for Sunday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 29-year-old suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle during the 2020 campaign and missed all but five games. He underwent surgery and returned during the 2021 season, appearing in all but one game, which he missed because of a calf strain.

Prescott missed much of training camp entering the 2021 campaign because of a right latissimus strain, which caused concern entering Week 1, but he told reporters Thursday that he entered training camp this summer feeling ready to go:

"That's this league and if you don't report a hangnail you'll get suspended or they'll get fined, excuse me. But, no, I feel great. I still feel the best that I've felt in a very, very long time. Not even comparable to where I was last year going into this game. Honestly just excited and ready for Sunday to get here."

Prescott went on to have an impressive 2021 season, completing 68.8 percent of his passes for 4,449 yards and 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 146 yards and a score.

If the two-time Pro Bowler can remain healthy in 2022, the Cowboys should reach the postseason for the second straight year.

However, there's still a long season ahead, and America's Team will look to start the year on a high note with a victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

Former NFL safety Deshazor Everett has been sentenced to three months of house arrest in connection with the car crash that killed his girlfriend, Olivia Peters, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.

Everett was initially charged with a felony involuntary manslaughter after the December 2021 crash in which he was driving over twice the posted 45 mph speed limit, but he later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving, per TMZ Sports. He could have faced up to one year in jail even with the lesser charge.

The 30-year-old spent seven years with the Washington Commanders after going undrafted out of Texas A&M. He appeared in 89 games during this time, making 17 starts.

In 2021, Everett played 14 games while mostly spending time on special teams.

Everett last played on Dec. 21, two days before the crash that also caused him to be hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries:

pic.twitter.com/1jFXI1nGM3

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 24, 2021

The car drove off the road and rolled over while hitting several trees, per ESPN's John Keim. Peters, 29, died at the hospital after the crash.

Everett was released by Washington in March.

Despite dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the preseason, Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders said he's healthy heading into Sunday's season-opener against the Detroit Lions.

"It's just one of those injuries you don't want to risk it in camp, so I attacked the rehab and I'm back, ready to go," he told reporters Thursday.

Sanders played in his team's first preseason game, catching two passes with zero rushing attempts before exiting. He later missed practice due to a hamstring injury and didn't suit up for the final two preseason games.

He is now set to return as the leading running back for a team that led the NFL in rushing last season.

Injuries have been a problem for Sanders, missing nine games over the past two seasons. His role has also been inconsistent, reaching double-digit carries in just six of his 12 games last year.

With quarterback Jalen Hurts taking away significant rushing work and running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott also likely to get snaps, it's tough to trust Sanders in your lineup.

On the other hand, Sanders has been efficient whenever he gets an opportunity. He's averaged 5.1 yards per carry in his career, while last year's 5.5 yards per carry tied for second among qualified running backs.

The 25-year-old should also have some positive touchdown regression after failing to score last season, especially since the Eagles led the NFL with 25 rushing touchdowns as a team.

Against a Lions' defense that ranked 28th against the run last year and 31st in points allowed, there is a lot of upside in playing Sanders in Week 1 now that he's clearly healthy.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons said what a lot of defenders are thinking ahead of his team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"We got to get him out of this league," Parsons said of the 45-year-old Tom Brady, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "He's been dominating this league too long. ... He wants to kill you. He wants to step on your throat like you’re a roach."

It seemed like Parsons and other defenders got their wish this offseason when Brady announced he was retiring after 22 seasons.

However, the future Hall of Famer eventually changed his mind and is back leading the Buccaneers for a third campaign. All he did in those first two years in the NFC was win the Super Bowl and then lead the NFL with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdown throws.

In all, Brady's resume with the Buccaneers and New England Patriots includes seven Lombardi Trophies, five Super Bowl MVPs, three league MVPs and 15 Pro Bowl nods.

"I've seen the Hulk get beat up," Parsons continued. "I've seen Thor get beat up. I've seen Captain America get beat up. But they always get back up and find a way to get to their destination. … (Brady) gets beat up, but he gets back up."

Whether Parsons and the Dallas defense can beat Brady up like that is one of the biggest storylines in the NFL's opening week. While the all-time great showed no signs of slowing down last year, he will be under some scrutiny after he took time away from the Buccaneers during training camp.

The Cowboys and Buccaneers could be two of the top Super Bowl contenders in the NFC after Dallas went 12-5 and won the NFC East in 2021. Parsons was a major part of that as the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and his ability to blitz the passer, help stuff the run and even drop back into coverage makes him one of the most valuable defenders in the league.

And he's apparently ready for that league to no longer have Brady in it.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera provided an encouraging update on rookie running back Brian Robinson.

Rivera said Wednesday on the The Don Geronimo Show (via the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala) the swelling in Robinson's knee has lessened "an awful lot." The 23-year-old no longer needs crutches either.

Robinson was shot multiple times Aug. 28 during an attempted robbery. He was briefly hospitalized and released one day after the shooting.

The Commanders placed Robinson on the reserve/non-football injury list to open the 2022 regular season. As a result, he will miss at least Washington's first four games and could debut in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.

Speaking with reporters Monday, Rivera remained vague about when Robinson will be cleared to return, saying he'll have to complete a "number of steps" before it happens.

Ron Rivera said Brian Robinson has progressed "pretty well." He said they'll start having him come in at a consistent time for rehab. Rivera said there will be a "number of steps he'll have to go through to show [trainer Al Bellamy] and the doctors he's ready to play."

— John Keim (@john_keim) September 5, 2022

"As he goes through this process, the timeline in terms of his daily workout schedule and recovery schedule will change," Rivera told reporters.

Only two days after the shooting, Robinson returned to the Commanders' practice facility. Rivera thought it provided an emotional lift for his teammates because "they could see he was OK" and that "really kind of put a lot of their minds at ease."

We’re all excited to have @BrianR_4 back in the building 💛 pic.twitter.com/xDDbCychdM

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 30, 2022

The Commanders selected Robinson with the No. 98 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He ran for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior with Alabama in 2021.