NFL Notes: Marcus Smith, Cowboys, Dolphins, Giants

Cowboys

• According to Cowboys HC Jason Garrett, RB Ezekiel Elliott is dealing with bruised ribs but is good to go for Sunday’s game against the Packers. (Clarence Hill)
• Garrett said they hope to have LT Tyron Smith back at practice on Friday and available for Week 5’s game, despite the fact that he’s dealing with back tightness. (Jane Slater)
• Should Smith be unable to play this weekend, the Cowboys would start Byron Bell at left tackle. (Jane Slater)
• Garrett confirmed that DE Charles Tapper broke a bone in his foot during a pass rush drill and will miss 8-10 weeks following surgery. Dallas has already placed Tapper on injured reserve. (NFLTR)

Dolphins

Dolphins LB Rey Maualuga said he’s hoping to be ready to go for Week 5’s game against the Titans.

“I’ve been practicing all week with the first group,” Maualuga said, via ESPN.com. “I would hope that I’m ready to go and they trust in me to line up and get the job done.”

Maualuga could join veteran linebackers Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso if he gets the start this weekend.

“I think collectively we can do something special,” Maualuga said. “Everyone is going to contribute and do some good things for this defense.”

Giants

While there had been some concern that Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul could miss Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury, he says there’s “no question” he’ll be in the lineup this weekend.

“A guy needs a break when a guy needs a break. It’s just a simple break,” Pierre-Paul said, via James Kratch of NJ.com. “Of course I’m playing Sunday. There’s no question.”

Pierre-Paul added that he won’t have any additional protection for his shoulder injury.

“It’s not a secret,” Pierre-Paul said. “Everyone that knows me knows I’m going to play.”