NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

Over halfway through the 2019 season and the Cowboys are still working on an extension for QB Dak Prescott. Despite a hot start to the year followed by a dip and then another climb in production, Dallas maintains the course of the season isn’t having any effect on what’s going on at the negotiating table. 

“No, it doesn’t,” Dallas EVP Stephen Jones said via Pro Football Talk. “This is a full body of work. He’s doing a great job. I mean, obviously, he played one of his better games that he’s ever played. They basically dared Dak to beat them. I thought he made all the plays and I thought he played an outstanding game, one of his better games he’s played.”

• Per NFL Media’s Bobby Belt, Cowboys DE Michael Bennett revealed that he’s mulling retirement following the season. As a part of his trade from the Patriots to Dallas, his deal was restructured to void in 2020: “It could be my last year in the NFL. I’ve just been chilling, thinking about what’s the best thing for my family, what’s the best thing health-wise, and the future. So let’s take it one game at a time, one year at a time.”

Eagles

Eagles second-round rookie WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside has only caught two passes for 14 yards so far in his first season. That level of production is being outpaced by a number of other rookie wide receivers so far in 2019, most of whom Arcega-Whiteside was drafted ahead of. However, Philadelphia believes their young wideout’s time is coming. 

“JJ is ready. He’s cross-trained now he knows the X position, he knows the Z position and if it came down to it he could probably play the F position,” Eagles WR coach Carson Walch said via NJ.com’s Zack Rosenblatt. “He’s in a good place right now, he’s positive, he feels good about where he’s at in the offense. I do anticipate him getting some snaps as we go.” 

• Eagles signed DB A.J. Howard to their practice squad.
• Eagles released TE Scott Orndoff from their practice squad.

Giants

• According to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, Giants ownership has no immediate plans to fire HC Pat Shurmur or force any other staff shakeup before the end of the season. 
• Shurmur added he’s not considering giving up offensive playcalling. (Pro Football Talk)
• Vacchiano’s source says it’s “much more likely” the Giants will revisit DC James Bettcher’s status after the season, especially if the rookies and young players don’t show signs of improvement over the remaining five games of the season.
• Vacchiano adds that Giants GM Dave Gettleman seems to believe the franchise is headed in the right direction. However, the final call will come to co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch.
• Giants RB Saquon Barkley had an x-ray on his shoulder which is expected to be fine. Barkley said he’s healthy and to say otherwise would be making an excuse: “I still feel fast.” (Jordan Raanan)
• Giants fourth-round rookie DB Julian Love took most of the first-team reps at safety ahead of Antoine Bethea Tuesday, potentially signaling a lineup change following the bye. (Art Stapleton)
• Dan Duggan reports that the Giants will re-sign OL Evan Brown to their practice squad after he officially cleared waivers on Tuesday.