NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott says he still has a lot to prove in the NFL but remains focused on his ultimate dream of winning a Super Bowl, which he says is his only goal this season.

“I think I do have a lot to prove,” Elliott said, via Pro Football Talk. “I have high expectations for myself. It’s not something you go enforce. You just go grind, go to work every day, and let it happen. My individual goals are just to win a Super Bowl. We have a great team. This is our time. That’s all of our goals. Just win a Super Bowl and everything else is going to fall in place after that.”

• Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said he’s been impressed by former second-round DT Trysten Hill, who’s in line for a much bigger role after McCoy’s injury: “I really like what he’s done, since really the virtual meetings. He was always looking for extra work, asks a lot of questions, I’ve been very impressed. Only in pads one day, but I think he’s off to a good start in training camp.” (Clarence Hill)
• Cowboys WR Michael Gallup doesn’t get as much attention as teammates Amari Cooper and first-round rookie CeeDee Lamb, but McCarthy reminded people not to forget about him: “Let’s make it clear: Michael Gallup is a No. 1 receiver in my view.” (Todd Archer)

Eagles

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says the Eagles have been monitoring what the Chiefs and 49ers have done with their tight end contracts recently and intend to follow that roadmap with TE Zach Ertz.
• Fowler adds nothing is imminent but once negotiations start he would expect Philadelphia to wrap up a deal in the coming weeks or months that pays Ertz close to George Kittle‘s $15 million per year. 
• Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes the Eagles’ starting three receivers were DeSean Jackson and first-round rookie Jalen Reagor outside and Greg Ward in the slot. 
• McLane says Eagles LT Andre Dillard split first-team reps with OT Jordan Mailata as he was returning from a minor injury, per a team source. 
• Eagles DT Javon Hargrave‘s injury is a pectoral strain, while DE Derek Barnett has a sprained ankle, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Both players are week-to-week but could be ready for Week 1. 
• Eagles DC Jim Schwartz doesn’t think adding DE Vinny Curry will take away reps from the team’s younger, developing pass rushers: “Vinny…doesn’t need quite as many reps, so I don’t think it will hurt the development of the younger guys. You’re not going to find a coach that says more good players is a bad situation.” (Zach Berman)

Washington

Washington rookie OL Saahdiq Charles has lined up at both tackle and guard during practices but remains in the competition along with offensive tackles Geron Christian and Cornelius Lucas and could be the favorite at left tackle.

“Saahdiq Charles is a great athletic specimen,”  Washington right tackle Morgan Moses said, via Ben Standig of The Athletic. “The kid’s calf muscles are like, humongous.”

Washington DC Jack Del Rio says that there isn’t enough hype surrounding LB Kevin Pierre-Louis. New HC Ron Rivera added to the hype by naming Pierre-Louis as one of his favorite sleepers entering training camp.

“He’s come in, and he’s been as advertised in terms of he’s showing us how explosive he is,” Rivera said of Pierre-Louis. “He’s showing us his ability to be in the right place at the right time. I mean, he’s been exciting to watch.”

According to Standig, no one has the starting linebacker spots locked down, and veteran LB Thomas Davis is just another member of the organization who says not to sleep on Pierre-Louis earning a starting spot.

“He’s extremely explosive,” Davis said of Pierre-Louis. “He’s fast, he’s physical. He has all of the qualities, all of the tools. He’s a guy that I could see in this defense making a ton of plays, and I’m excited to see KPL work.”

• Standig also notes Rivera’s other sleeper picks including S Troy Apke, WR Cam Sims, and WR Steven Sims.
• As for the return of QB Alex Smith, Standig mentions that it remains a giant leap for Washington to consider starting him.
• Steven Sims and Dontrelle Inman started at receiver alongside Terry McLaurin Tuesday, while OT Geron Christian and G Wes Schweitzer started on the left side of the offensive line. (Kyle Stackpole)
• Rivera noted not to read too much into who was working with the first or second teams so far: “Very few positions are set in our mind right now. … You’re definitely going to see a different group of linebackers, that’s for sure.” (Nicki Jhabvala)