NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

• Per the Athletic’s Jon Machota, Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said he’s stayed in contact with RB Ezekiel Elliott during the holdout and their conversations have all “very positive.”
• Garrett said DE Demarcus Lawrence, who was activated from the PUP list Tuesday, is “way ahead of schedule on his rehab.” (Jane Slater)
• Cowboys WR Amari Cooper says his plantar fascia injury isn’t a big issue and he played through it his sophomore year of college and as a rookie with the Raiders: “I know how to play with it if I have to play with it.” (David Moore)
• If Elliott’s holdout doesn’t end before the regular season, Cowboys fourth-round RB Tony Pollard says he’s ready to be a three-down back: “I 100% believe in myself, so I feel like if that’s the case, if that happens then I’ll be ready for it. I’m ready for whatever.” (Machota)

Eagles

The Eagles maintained this offseason they were comfortable with Nate Sudfeld stepping into the backup quarterback role vacated by Nick Foles. However, following Sudfeld’s broken wrist, the Eagles turned to another backup quarterback, signing Josh McCown for $2 million guaranteed. Sudfeld says he’s not threatened by the team bringing on a “phenomenal guy” in McCown.

“I feel very confident in my abilities, and I feel like they have a lot of confidence in me,” Sudfeld said via Philly.com’s Jeff McLane and Les Bowen. “I understand the signing, especially with the injury I got. We’re just a really great team and I think Josh adds to a great team.”

• Eagles HC Doug Pederson believes CB Jalen Mills will be ready for the season opener: “I feel confident he’ll be ready to go … Maybe.” (Reuben Frank)
• Pederson says Eagles second-round RB Miles Sanders has earned a role in the offense after early health struggles: “As much as we give him. I think he’s done a great job for us, so far. Biggest thing, obviously concern coming into camp, was the health issue… I think he checked that box. …Obviously, he’ll have a role for us.” (Zach Berman)

Giants

• According to NJ.com’s Ryan Dunleavy, Giants CB Sam Beal could be in danger of missing the final roster, as he’s only had one padded practice in the two years since the Giants drafted him in the supplemental draft. 

Redskins

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, “all signs are pointing to” Redskins veteran QB Case Keenum starting the season ahead of first-round QB Dwayne Haskins.
• Rapoport says while Haskins has shown promise, there are signs the rookie “isn’t quite there yet” and the team will take it slow with his development.
• Rapoport adds the team hopes to have QB Colt McCoy back on the field doing drills by the end of the preseason.
• Redskins HC Jay Gruden said he’s confident RB Derrius Guice will play in Washington’s Week 3 preseason game against the Falcons. (JP Finlay)
• Gruden has “high hopes” Redskins WR Trey Quinn will be ready for Week 1. (Finlay)