NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

Cowboys’ RB Ezekiel Elliott says that they are right where they need to be and are still in the hunt as the playoffs rapidly approach.

“We never thought we were out of it,” Elliott said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “Our division’s been struggling this year. We’re right where we need to be with what’s been going on with the division. We’ve got to build on this success, so we can’t come out on a short week and take a step back against a division opponent. We’ve got to make sure we build on the success and keep getting better.”

• Cowboys’ RG Zack Martin will continue to be the right tackle and will begin practice at this position this week, according to HC Mike McCarthy. (Calvin Watkins)
• McCarthy mentioned that K Greg Zuerlein suffered a minor back injury on Sunday, but he appears to be okay. (Watkins)
• McCarthy is of the opinion that rookie CB Trevon Diggs (injured reserve) “definitely has a chance” to play again this season after recently suffering a hairline fracture in his foot. (Michael Gehlken)

Eagles

• Eagles’ HC Doug Pederson is adamant that he won’t bench QB Carson Wentz but did say he was willing to get rookie QB Jalen Hurts more involved in the offense going forward. (Pro Football Talk)
• Eagles placed CB Cre’Von LeBlanc on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Eagles designated DE Genard Avery to return from injured reserve.
• Eagles also released RB Adrian Killins from their practice squad.

Giants

Giants’ HC Joe Judge addressed the decision to fire OL coach Marc Colombo for the first time on Monday.

“From Day 1, I’ve made it clear I’m always going to make every decision based on what I see is best for the team,” Judge said, via Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com. “This decision is no different. Look, there’s been a lot of information out there, a lot of misinformation. I’m not going to rehash any of that. We wish Marc luck going forward. The decision we made was in the best interest of the New York Giants, short and long term.”

Judge also talked about Colombo’s replacement as the offensive line coach, Dave DeGuglielmo.

“He brings some experience in this league,” Judge said of DeGuglielmo. “He does a good job, he’s coached some of the guys that are on the team already, he’s worked with a number of guys on staff already. There’s a level of experience that carries over, and that’s great, but all that really matters now is how each one of us coaches individually and how he coaches for the New York Giants. We’re excited to have him on staff with us moving forward.”

• Judge said that following the hiring of DeGuglielmo, the Giants will make some adjustments but are ultimately concerned with maintaining continuity on the offensive line. (Dan Duggan)