NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was asked how he balances not losing focus on the field with what’s on the line in terms of extension talks with the team. 

“Simple. The reason we’re having contract talks is because of what I do on the field,” Prescott said, per Todd Archer. “That’s the main focus and that’s my focus in everything I do. Talk about the ads, the marketing, all this stuff, I know realistically none of that happens if I’m not handling my business on the field. For me about it’s about taking care of that, being the best football player I can and a lot of good things and great things happen when you do that.”

• Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said the MRI on WR Amari Cooper‘s ankle came back negative and the receiver is day to day. 

Giants

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Giants RB Saquon Barkley received a recommendation of no surgery from his second opinion with Dr. Robert Anderson on his high ankle sprain.
• Barkley had been considering tightrope surgery which is similar to the procedure Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa had last year to allow him to play in the national title game. 
• Giants HC Pat Shurmur said the team doesn’t plan to put Barkley on injured reserve, suggesting coming back in fewer than eight weeks is a possibility. Shurmur wouldn’t commit to a timetable, however. (Matt Lombardo)
• Giants DC James Bettcher says he’s not concerned about the play of CB Janoris Jenkins, who was supposed to be a stable veteran for the secondary but has struggled along with the rest of the unit with the transition to Bettcher’s scheme: “I don’t have concern. He’s all-in on what he needs to fix.” (Ryan Dunleavy)

Redskins

The Redskins knew entering this past year’s draft that they needed a quarterback. While HC Jay Gruden and his staff liked what they saw out of Daniel Jones, owner Dan Snyder and GM Bruce Allen preferred Dwayne Haskins and made him the pick. Haskins is still on the bench in Washington, while Jones is set to make his second start for the Giants against the Redskins Sunday. Gruden acknowledged he liked what he saw out of Jones in college while adding Haskins will get his chance.  

“Daniel probably had a little bit more experience under his belt (than Haskins),” Gruden said via Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News. “(Duke) was outmatched a lot of times and he took a lot of shots, stood in the pocket, showed his accuracy, toughness and athletic ability. As far as being more ready, you never know until you get them in the building … I think with him and the kid in Arizona (No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray), those guys were ready to go. And I think Dwayne’s gonna be ready here pretty soon.”