FRISCO – At the risk of putting a negative slant on a 10-5 season in which the Dallas Cowboys are going to the playoffs … they are are suddenly trying to avoid a three-game losing streak with their “biggest challenge” now on the schedule.
That’s how coach Mike McCarthy is characterizing the Detroit Lions’ Saturday night visit to AT&T Stadium in Week 17. And he’s also characterizing the possibility that two key guys in the trenches, offensive lineman Tyron Smith and defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins, might be back in action for the game.
McCarthy said during Tuesday’s press conference here inside The Star that Smith (back) and Hankins (ankle) are “getting better” and that “they have a chance” to play this week against Detroit, at a team tied with the Niners and Eagles for the best record in the NFC.
Tyron could help solve some offensive line issues that have come in the form of pressure on QB Dak Prescott. Over the past four games, the Cowboys have allowed an alarming 14 sacks on Prescott.
Hankins has missed the last two games after sustaining an ankle injury in the second half of the team’s win over Philadelphia, and the Dallas run defense has suffered as a result.
“I think (a return against) Detroit is realistic,” Hankins said recently. “I’m from Detroit so it’d be nice to play against them.”