A change in NFL rules this year allows teams to play on a Thursday twice over the course of a season, something the Commanders will do when they take on the Cowboys this week.
Their first Thursday appearance was a forgettable one, a 40-20 loss to the Bears that gave Chicago its first win of the season.
This time it’s the Commanders who will enter as the underdog, having fallen to 4-7, and facing a Cowboys team that remains on pace to make the playoffs. Washington coach Ron Rivera said he’d emphasize the rivalry nature of the game as he prepares players for the short turnaround.
“It’s a different thought process, as far as I’m concerned, in my messaging with the players,” Rivera said. “So you know, hopefully it’s the right one. And I think our guys have gotten the message.
“I think they’ve come in and they had a good day, they really seem focused and have brought some energy. And they seem to be in a good place right now.”
Tuesday was Washington’s only on-field practice of the week, with the Commanders scheduled to travel to Texas on Wednesday. Because of heavy rains, the practice was forced into the team’s indoor bubble, which limits the amount of physical activity the players can do in the smaller space.
For the players, the focus is more on recovery after a physical game against the Giants.
“You try to get your body back as best you can with massages, all the small modality stuff we can do to get ready,” tight end Logan Thomas said. “We’ll all be ready to go. We’ve already done it once this year, so. We’ll figure it out. When it’s time to kick off, we’ll be flying around.”
Tuesday’s practice was described as a “jog-through,” a more uptempo version of the team’s normal walkthrough practices where plays are installed and situations are reviewed.
One of the main points of emphasis is cutting back on turnovers after the Commanders coughed up the ball six times last week, leading to a surprise loss to the Giants.
That game all but eliminated the team from the playoff picture, but defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said motivation won’t be an issue.
“There’s a lot to play for,” Allen said. “Jobs are on the line. Careers, legacies, everything. So there’s to play for for a lot of people. So we’re gonna give everything we’ve got, and that’s all we can do.”
Allen said he doesn’t fixate on the short turnaround time before Thursday’s game.
“You just fight for recovery and do what you can, man,” he said. “It’s always tough playing on Thursday, but they’re going through the same thing, so there’s no excuses.”
The Cowboys are at a disadvantage in the short week as they hope to bring star receive CeeDee Lamb back into the fold after suffering an ankle injury. He told reporters in Frisco on Tuesday that he intends to play in Thursday’s game.
Dallas is looking to avenge a loss to Sam Howell in last season’s finale, a game that put Howell on the map.
Howell is looking to bounce back after a turnover-filled performance against the Giants. After the game, Rivera gave him a quick pep talk in the locker room.
“He just told me just keep my head up,” Howell said. “We’ve got a lot of football left. But he’s always had my back, always supported me. It’s fun to play with a coach who has always had my back and always knows how to pick me up and get me back going.”
Getting going will be the challenge for all the Commanders as they travel halfway across the country on short rest, hoping to shock their rivals in front of a national audience.
Notes: Linebacker Cody Barton will be activated for Thursday’s game, Rivera said. Barton went on injured reserve earlier this year after suffering an ankle injury. The coach said Barton’s return will allow Jamin Davis to play closer to his natural position as an outside linebacker.
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