NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Panthers

Cowboys

• Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said they feel pretty good about WR Cole Beasley (foot), but they need to see him practice this week to know whether he’ll be available for Week 14. (Jon Machota)
• Cowboys LT Tyron Smith said he expects to play on Sunday against the Eagles: “I feel great. For me, it was more frustrating more than anything. I trust our team doctors. I’m going through the whole program. I guess it wasn’t ready yet. We thought it would be ready by then. I guess it wasn’t. (Brandon George)

Giants

• Giants WR Sterling Shepard said he underwent a CT scan that came back all clear and a X-rays at halftime on his ribs that were negative. Shepard added that it’s going to be a pain management issue for him right now, but thinks he’ll be ok. (Art Stapleton)

Panthers

On Monday, the Panthers announced a number of changes to their defensive coaching staff. (NFLTR)

• Panthers HC Ron Rivera explained that the moves were simply what he felt were best for the team and not forced by owner David Tepper: “Mr. Tepper did not influence this decision. This is what I believe is in the best interest of this team.” (Max Henson)
• Rivera said Eric Washington will remain the team’s defensive coordinator and they will collaborate moving forward with Rivera taking over defensive playcalling. (Jourdan Rodrigue)
• Regarding the report that major changes could be coming after the season, Rivera said: “Now, at the end of the day, unless Mr. Tepper says it, I’m not going to address it, OK? So, we can forget about asking me those questions, please.“