The Dallas Cowboys (2-3) held a walkthrough practice at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City on Saturday afternoon, one day before a pivotal NFC East showdown with the New York Giants (3-3).Â
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Three Academy buses pulled up to the St. Peter’s Prep football field at around 12:15 p.m. this afternoon, dropping off the Dallas Cowboys for a walkthrough practice just a few minutes away from their hotel: The Westin Jersey City Newport.
Head Coach Jason Garrett, as well as starting quarterback Matt Cassel, were among several players who acknowledged a few dozen loyal Dallas fans as they got off the bus and entered the locker room.
Cassel makes his first career start for “America’s Team” tomorrow against an always game NFC East rival, the New York Giants.
Cassel, who led a Tom Brady-less New England Patriots squad to an 11-5 record in 2008 but only threw nine passes for Minnesota Vikings last year, was signed by Dallas after backup Brandon Weeden went 0-3 leading the offense.
Cassel, a USC product, spent the preseason with the Buffalo Bills but was cut before Week 1.
The Cowboys, who have officially again ruled out star wide receiver Dez Bryant due to a foot injury, are hoping Cassel can breathe some life into the offense after losing franchise QB Tony Romo to a back injury in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Romo isn’t expected to return for the field for about another month.
The Eagles currently lead the NFC East after laying a 27-7 beating on the Giants last week in Philly. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Big Blue.
A Dallas win over New York would propel them back into first place in the division if the Eagles come up short against the unbeaten Carolina Panthers (5-0). Â The Eagles would retain the top spot in the NFC East if they pull off the upset.
If the Giants emerge victorious, their standing in the division would also depend on what happens in the Eagles game.
When the Giants and Cowboys met in Week 1, Romo led a masterful fourth quarter drive to score a come from behind 27-26 victory at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys were down 23-13 with 8 minutes left in the game.
The Giants look to avenge the embarrassing loss, especially since they are currently riding a five-game losing streak against Dallas.
New York is hosting the contest at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium at 4:25 p.m. tomorrow.