NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy declined to single players out when asked about their defenses’ issues with run defense in Tuesday’s 34-17 loss to the Ravens.  

“I don’t correct players in the media. I don’t see the benefit of going through player grades in front of a camera. … Those conversations are for our (in-house) accountability sessions,” said McCarthy, via Jon Machota. 

As for Dallas getting bumped from Week 15’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the 49ers, McCarthy called it a “reflection” of their poor results this season. 

“Number one, I think it’s a reflection of just where we are right now as a football team. So these are the types of things that I guess happen when you’re not successful. We’re disappointed. Make no bones about it,” said McCarthy, via Michael Gehlken. 

• Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott said his calf injury is “more of a contusion” than a strain, and while it’s sore, he doesn’t think it will hold him back much: “I don’t think it should limit me much at all. …I’m tough.” (Michael Gehlken)

Eagles

Saints S Malcolm Jenkins said he “gave everything” to his former team in Philadelphia, but it “wasn’t valued” by the Eagles’ management. 

“I gave everything I had to the city, to the team. Did everything the coaches asked me to do, did everything to make the players around me better, try to put my best football out there. And it just wasn’t valued that much by those who make the decisions,” said Jenkins, via Zach Berman. 

Jenkins said that money was not an issue for him with the Eagles last offseason, but felt a level of disrespect from the organization. 

“For me, it was just more of a principle about respect. I really didn’t care what the money was. But I wanted to see what the respect factor was. And it wasn’t valued what I thought. And so decisions are made. And I ended up at a place that values what I bring,” said Jenkins, via Berman. 

• The Eagles are bringing in TE Tyree Jackson for a workout this week. (Field Yates)

Giants

Giants HC Joe Judge said he is hopeful that LB Blake Martinez (back) will be able to play in Week 14 against the Cardinals. 

“I hope so,” Judge said, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “He was in meetings with us, had a smile on his face and laughing, so you can always cut it with Blake. But obviously, guys are coming out of games, they’re banged up, they’re sore.”

Giants S Logan Ryan said that he told Martinez to not rush himself back into the lineup. 

“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about it buddy, don’t kill yourself to come back here, we need you and we’re gonna win this game,’ ’’ Ryan said.

Washington

• Per the Athletic’s Matt Barrows, Washington QB Alex Smith said he’s going to have a long talk with his wife after the season to decide if he’ll keep playing or retire: “I’m making the most of each and every week and honestly treating it like it could be my last. And I have no problem with that.”
• Washington designated WR Antonio Gandy-Golden to return from injured reserve. (NFLTR)