The Dallas Cowboys might be flying high after their dominant 37-22 win over the New York Jets. Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns as Dallas rolled to a 37-22 triumph, proving their ability to dominate even without several key starters. But Thursday brought a dose of uncertainty in Dallas. As the team returned to the practice field this week, attention quickly shifted to the next challenge and who would be ready to take it on.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Week 6 preparations took an unexpected turn. The backup quarterback, Joe Milton, was absent from Thursday’s practice due to personal reasons, as confirmed by ESPN’s Todd Archer. His absence leaves Dak Prescott as the only healthy quarterback on the field, as the Cowboys continue to navigate roster adjustments following Cooper Rush’s offseason departure. Todd Archer added that defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. was also missing from the portion of practice open to the media.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Dallas. Their star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, is also recovering from an ankle sprain. He has missed the last two games due to this injury. And with a three-to-four-week timeline for his return, we might see him back in action by Week 7.

While Milton sat out, there was a positive development on defense. Safety Donovan Wilson returned to practice after missing Wednesday with elbow and knee issues. Still, the Cowboys’ injury list remains lengthy. Key players like Tyler Booker, Jack Sanborn, and KaVontae Turpin were listed as non-participants earlier in the week. While DaRon Bland and Jadeveon Clowney practiced in a limited capacity.

With a pivotal game looming against the Panthers, head coach Mike McCarthy will be hoping Milton rejoins practice soon. The Cowboys can ill afford another absence at quarterback, especially with Prescott’s recent injury history and the team trying to maintain its early-season momentum.

Donovan Ezeiruaku vows a breakout performance in Week 6

Dallas Cowboys rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is convinced that his breakout moment is just around the corner.

The former Boston College edge rusher, selected 44th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was brought in to strengthen the Dallas defense. He’s been searching for answers, especially after Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers. However, after five games, while Ezeiruaku has shown flashes of his potential, he’s still waiting for those sacks to come.

He’s recorded 10 pressures, five quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss, but he’s still eager for that first big finish. Yet, he wouldn’t describe his feelings as frustration.

“It’s not that it’s frustrating, because I know it’s coming,” Ezeiruaku said Thursday. “And when it comes, it’ll come in waves. A big wave at that.”

His confidence remains unshaken. The effort and disruption are evident; it’s just that final step that’s missing. With a 61.3 PFF pass rush grade, there’s definitely room for improvement. But his mindset tells him he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.

“I’m getting back there, getting quarterback hits,” he added. “The ball’s just coming out a half-second early for me. That means I’ve got to get there faster and make it happen.”

Ezeiruaku’s words reflect a player who’s ready to make a big impact, and Dallas could really use that spark. The Cowboys are on the brink of a winning record and face a crucial challenge against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

If Ezeiruaku’s potential comes to fruition, that long-awaited “big wave” might just crash down in Charlotte. Marking the emergence of Dallas’s next defensive powerhouse.