Cowboys

The Cowboys opted to use Malik Davis as their No. 2 running back in Monday’s win over the Raiders instead of Jaydon Blue. Dallas HC Brian Schottenheimer explained that Davis’s ability on “offensive and special teams” was a primary factor in their decision.

“It’s really everything. When you get to sometimes that second and third back and we’re carrying a little heavy at some other positions, whether it’s linebacker or corner or defensive linemen, you’re a little bit short in some areas. But it’s really both phases, it’s offense and special teams,” Schottenheimer said, via Jon Machota.

Schottenheimer added that Davis helping as a “personal protector” was another reason they moved him ahead of Blue.

“Malik has done an incredible job since he’s got back. He’s a personal protector. He’s doing a great job. I think he’s on three of the four core special teams units. He’s running well. He and Jaydon will continue to compete. But right now, when you’re looking at the two, that’s where Jaydon has to understand, until you’re the guy, which at some point hopefully he is the guy, you got to be able to impact the game in other ways. I think he understands that.”

Schottenheimer mentioned that Blue is still “learning a lot about this league.”

“Jaydon is learning a lot about this league. He’s always going to continue to compete and put his best foot forward. He doesn’t have to like the decision if it goes against him to play someone else, but he’s got to make sure he’s always prepared to go play.”

• Cowboys WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens recently caused some drama by missing their team’s curfew last week while having dinner and drinks at a casino. When asked about the matter, owner Jerry Jones said he wants players to conduct themselves as if it were a business trip: “Yes, I do. I don’t have any problem with partying. … But the idea is this is a business trip.” (Jon Machota)
• Jones on how Schottenheimer handled the situation: “He’s not going to play favorites with anybody. He felt very strongly [about] that, that was part of it. I think a lot of people thought they had to be together because they are great friends, but believe it or not, one was of the night before leading into the morning and the other one was missing the buses.”

Eagles

There have been recent reports of internal frustration regarding Eagles QB Jalen Hurts following their offense putting up just 26 points over the last two weeks. When asked about the rumors, Hurts said criticism comes with being a quarterback and he’s focused on himself.

“I’m not surprised by anything. This is kind of the nature of the position,” Hurts said, via Tim McManus of ESPN. *“But I put my energy and my focus on trying to go out there and do my best and trying to learn, trying to build, trying to take in the...