NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

• Per the Athletic’s Jon Machota, Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said QB Dak Prescott (shoulder) would continue to be limited, “if he does anything at all.”
• Prescott told reporters he feels like his injury is progressing: “It’s getting better. That’s all I can ask for. … You’ve got to rest it for it to get better, and it will.” (Machota)
• Prescott expects to throw on Friday like last week and confirmed he took a pain-killing shot at halftime this past Sunday against the Eagles: “I did what was necessary.” (Jane Slater)
• Even though Sunday’s game might be his last in Dallas, Garrett said he’s “taking the same approach as I’ve always taken” and won’t think about his coaching future until later: “I guess some point in the future.” (Michael Gehlken)
• Prescott refused to weigh in on Dallas potentially moving on from Garrett as head coach: “I think it’s the last game on mine as well so I’ll be damned if I speak on anyone else’s future or their place.” (Slater)
• Prescott added he’s not surprised his contract negotiations with the Cowboys have dragged on so long: “That’s the business. It’s my first time going through it. I’m not surprised by anything that comes from it, from the league, from the team, from whatever. I’m learning as I go.” (Machota)
• Cowboys TE Jason Witten said when he retires a second time he wants to pursue coaching in the NFL: “When I’m done playing, that’s something I’d like to do, for sure.” (David Moore)
• Witten added he doesn’t foresee Sunday being his final NFL game, however: “Sure, it’s a possibility. I’m aware of that, but really, one of the things when I came back to play I was committed to going out there and playing every game and opportunity. So fortunate to do it. There will be time to make that decision, but I do not envision this being my last game.” (ESPN)

Eagles

• Per the Athletic’s Zach Berman, Eagles HC Doug Pederson says second-round rookie RB Miles Sanders will still be the top running back as the “hot hand” going forward, while RB Jordan Howard will have a role behind Sanders. 
• Howard is seeing a doctor Thursday afternoon to hopefully receive clearance for contact from his shoulder injury. 
• Eagles TE Zach Ertz missed practice Thursday with back and rib injuries. (Zack Rosenblatt)

Giants

• Per NJ.com’s Matt Lombardo, Giants RB Saquon Barkley said he has confidence in HC Pat Shurmur and the rest of the coaching staff to turn around the team next year. 
• Giants LB Markus Golden had a half-sack turned into a full sack on a stat correction, and as a result earned a $1 million bonus. (Jordan Raanan)

Redskins

Redskins RB Adrian Peterson has already defied NFL historical conventions for his position by running for 1,000 yards last year at the age of 33. Peterson could accomplish that feat again with 180 rushing yards in Washington’s season finale, but if thing go according to his plans, he’ll have plenty more chances to add to his career total. 

“I can see myself playing to 40,” Peterson told NFL Media’s Jane Slater via Pro Football Talk. “People look at that and say, ‘Oh, my God! That’s crazy,’ but they’ve been doing that for the past two years and surprise, surprise, I’m still able to do it at a high level.”

• Redskins third-round rookie WR Terry McLaurin remains in the concussion protocol. (JP Finlay)