NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said they will have a “good problem” in terms of divvying up snaps among linebackers once Sean Lee is set to return.

“That’s a management dream right there,” Jones said, via Pro Football Talk. “You rotate those guys. You get the very best out of their strengths, their endurance. Sean Lee without a doubt can be the key guy on the team, much less on the defense. And, so, you don’t want too many plays with him not in there. But the way Vander Esch is playing and what we have in Smith out there, we just will play them all. There’s plenty of snaps to go around. There’s 60 plays on defense. You certainly can get those guys in for 20 or 30 plays apiece.”

• Jones mentioned that he expects TE Geoff Swaim (wrist) to miss 3 to 4 weeks following surgery. (Jon Machota)
• According to Brandon George, Cowboys WR Michael Gallup plans to play on Thanksgiving, despite the tragic news of his brother’s suicide.

Eagles

Eagles OC Mike Groh said it’s been “challenging” to integrate WR Golden Tate into their offense since the trade.

“I don’t know if it’s been more difficult, but it’s been challenging to integrate him,” Groh said, per Zach Berman. “Certainly, with the way that we weren’t able to stay on the field the other day and finding your rhythm to the offense, ..everything becomes a little bit disjointed.”

• Regarding WR Nelson Agholor, Groh admitted that roles changed after they acquired Tate. (Martin Frank)

Redskins

Colt McCoy explained that he’s ready to step in for Alex Smith and be the Redskins’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

“You pray for opportunities to get to play. You never like to see how it happened [Sunday],” McCoy said, via John Keim of ESPN. “I’ve been a starter before, had it taken away, and it’s not a good feeling. I kind of battled my way back. Been here for a while now, so hopefully I can go out there and play good ball and help our team win. Alex has got us in great shape.”

“I’ve grown up. I’ve grown up a lot,” McCoy added. “I feel comfortable in this system and how we execute our offense.”

• Redskins HC Jay Gruden said Tuesday that he’s optimistic LT Trent Williams (thumb) will be able to play on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. Gruden added that the decision will be determined by how much Williams is =able to use his hand while wearing a cast. (Tarik El-Bashir)