NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

• Per Michael Gelhken of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said WR Amari Cooper “had a good day yesterday in practice, and hopefully, he continues to progress.” from his knee injury. 
• Cooper said he doesn’t see his knee injury as a concern going forward: “I’m good. Everything is good. I’m a lot better.” (Jon Machota)

Eagles

Eagles RB Jay Ajayi rejoined the Eagles this week after a long, winding path. Ajayi tore his ACL last year in a contract year, leading the Eagles to look at other options at running back this offseason. But after injuries hit Philadelphia’s running back depth chart and Ajayi was still on the market after recovering from his injury, a reunion made sense for the team and Ajayi. 

“Once I was in the building, just to see all the people, my old teammates, and everyone was kind of excited to see me,” Ajayi said via E.J. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Even the people in the cafeteria, the staff members, it was like family being here. I was here when we did something special, so the memories and everything, those will last forever, and those relationships will as well. So it’s just a blessing to still have that positive reaction when I came back.”

• ESPN’s Bill Barnwell says Eagles RB Jordan Howard is likely looking at short-term, $1-$2 million per year deals when his rookie contract expires this offseason similar to what RB Alfred Morris has been able to land after his rookie deal in Washington ended.

Giants

• According to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard, Giants OT Nate Solder (concussion) was upgraded to a full participant in practice. 
• Solder, CB Janoris Jenkins, C Jon Halapio, OT Mike Remmers and WR Sterling Shepard are all expected to play. 
• Giants TE Evan Engram is unlikely to play, per Leonard. 
• Giants TE Rhett Ellison (concussion) is unlikely to play this week, per HC Pat Shurmur. (Dan Duggan)

Redskins

• Per NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, Redskins interim HC Bill Callahan said he’s not “overly concerned” that DT Da’Ron Payne will miss Sunday’s game with his ankle injury. 
• Redskins DB Danny Johnson returned to practice after starting the season on the PUP list, meaning Washington has three weeks to decide if it will activate him. (John Keim)