Cowboys Face Short Week, Big Questions Ahead of Thursday Night Clash with Lions
The Dallas Cowboys are heading into Week 14 with momentum on their side and a national spotlight waiting. After outlasting Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in a Thanksgiving shootout, 31-28, Dallas now turns its attention to another high-profile matchup-this time under the Thursday Night Football lights on Amazon Prime, hosting the Detroit Lions.
But as the Cowboys prepare for a red-hot Lions offense, they’re facing a key question on defense: Will Jadeveon Clowney be ready to go?
Clowney’s Status: Truly a Game-Time Call
Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is officially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, and his availability will come down to how he looks during pregame warmups. That’s not just coach-speak-it’s the real deal this week.
Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Tuesday that Clowney didn’t practice and instead worked off to the side with resistance cords, staying active but not participating in team drills. It’s a cautious approach, and understandably so. Hamstrings are tricky, especially for explosive players who rely on burst and bend off the edge.
Schottenheimer didn’t sugarcoat it: Clowney’s status will be determined just before kickoff. “How he warms up before the game Thursday will determine if he plays or not,” he said.
Jerry Jones: “Planning on Him Playing… But That’s Not a Given”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, never one to shy away from a microphone, sounded hopeful when speaking Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. But even he acknowledged the uncertainty.
“I look to him to be available this short week-really not a short week for us,” Jones said. “But we don’t have many days left for him to be out there. Planning on him playing, but that’s not a given.”
Jones echoed the sentiment that it’ll come down to pregame evaluations. “You have to-this truly is-warm him up out there before the game on Thursday, and if they can play, then you’ll make them active.”
Why Clowney Matters Right Now
Since joining the Cowboys in Week 3, Clowney has quietly become a vital cog in Dan Quinn’s defense. In nine games, he’s logged 27 tackles, four sacks, three passes defensed, two run stops, and a fumble recovery. He’s not just producing-he’s doing it in key moments, providing veteran presence and versatility on the edge.
His impact goes beyond the box score. Clowney’s ability to set the edge, disrupt passing lanes, and generate pressure without blitzing gives the Cowboys flexibility in coverage. Without him, Dallas would have to lean more heavily on younger rotational pieces or shift Micah Parsons into a more traditional edge role, which could limit some of the creative looks Quinn likes to throw at opposing quarterbacks.
And this week, that quarterback is Jared Goff-who’s been steady and efficient for a Lions offense that’s as balanced as it’s been in years. Detroit’s line is one of the league’s best, and Goff thrives when kept clean. If Clowney can’t go, that could tip the scales in a matchup where every pressure counts.
Lions Also Dealing with Injuries
It’s not just Dallas navigating the injury report. The Lions are monitoring their own star power, with wide receiver Amon-Ra St.
Brown’s status still uncertain. That could have a major impact on how both teams approach the game strategically.
But for the Cowboys, the Clowney question looms largest. On a short week, against one of the NFC’s top teams, every snap matters-and having No. 90 on the field could be the difference between containing Detroit’s offense or chasing it from behind.
We’ll know more Thursday night, but for now, all eyes are on warmups.