NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

• Per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys OT Cam Erving (illness) is expected to return to practice and would be in line to take over at left tackle. 
• Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said backup LT Brandon Knight will miss “at least a couple weeks” after undergoing knee surgery. (Gehlken)
• Regarding Cowboys RG Zack Martin (concussion), McCarthy said they will know more about his Week 7 availability be the “end of the week.” (Gehlken)
• As for the Cowboys’ defensive struggles, McCarthy responded to whether the players believe in DC Mike Nolan: “Definitely. It’s a change. It’s well documented. It’s a conversation we have openly had. …It’s a philosophy change that I brought here.” (Gehlken)
• As for a Cowboys’ anonymous players’ negative comments about the coaching staff, McCarthy said they must address their problems face-to-face: “I think you do have to recognize it. I really go back to my first meeting with the football team. …I think it’s important to handle things as men. If you do have something to say.” (Gehlken)

Eagles

• NJ.com’s Mike Kaye lists Jets LBs Avery Williamson and Neville Hewitt, along with Colts LB Anthony Walker, as potential trade additions for the Eagles that would be cheap both in terms of salary and potential draft pick compensation. 
• In a radio hit, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says he sees the Eagles being more of sellers at the trade deadline, however. (Jimmy Kempski)
• However, Eagles GM Howie Roseman has only traded away a player midseason four times in his 10 years as general manager. (Kaye)
• Eagles HC Doug Pederson says he’s anticipating getting RT Lane Johnson and WR DeSean Jackson back for Thursday night’s game against the Giants. (Eliot Shorr-Parks)
• He’s less optimistic WR Alshon Jeffery will be able to play, however. 
• Philadelphia should also get back CB Avonte Maddox and LB Duke Riley. (Kaye)
• In addition to Jeffery, who had a calf injury added to his status, the Eagles ruled out TE Zach Ertz, RB Miles Sanders, DT Malik Jackson, fourth-round S K’Von Wallace and fourth-round OT Jack Driscoll. (Kaye)

Washington

• Per the Athletic’s Ben Standig, Washington HC Ron Rivera said third-round RB Antonio Gibson is still working on the transition to the NFL: “We’re talking about a little bit of a position switch for him. He was a wide receiver for the most part at Memphis. He did play some running back stuff. So, he’s still learning and growing. You see his potential. You see the abilities that he has. It’s a matter of getting (an) opportunity with the situations in the game.”
• Gibson has 13 broken tackles on just 64 attempts but is averaging 3.8 YPC. 
• Rivera said Washington will elevate WRs Tony Brown and Jeff Badet from the practice squad this week as they’re down to three healthy receivers on the active roster. (Nicki Jhabvala)