Cowboys host Giants tonight
ARLINGTON, Texas — A month ago, the Dallas Cowboys figured to be without star running back Ezekiel Elliott for the opener while facing the New York Giants and dynamic receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Now it appears the opposite will be true. Elliott, the 2016 NFL rushing leader as a rookie, is still facing a six-game suspension over a domestic violence case, but will play tonight because of the timing of an appeal that was rejected, and an ongoing court fight to try to overturn the NFL's decision.
Beckham hasn't played since spraining his left ankle in a preseason game against Cleveland on Aug. 21, and didn't practice the early part of game week.
So Eli Manning could be without his top receiver for his 200th consecutive start, but will have a new one in six-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, who signed as a free agent. The Giants are trying to win their fourth straight against the Cowboys after sweeping the NFC East champions last year.
"They got weapons now," Dallas defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. "Beckham, he's special obviously. Those are really good receivers. We know that. They're stocked up pretty well."
Dak Prescott, a former Mississippi State quarterback, lost his debut as a rookie quarterback to the Giants in last year's opener before leading the Cowboys to a franchise-record 11 straight wins. The streak ended in a 10-7 loss at New York that was easily the worst game for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Dez Bryant was shut down as well, getting one catch in each loss. But now Dallas' top receiver is coming off his first full offseason since his All-Pro year in 2014, which his teammates and coaches believe will make a difference.
"Two different teams than we were last year," Giants receiver Sterling Shepard said. "So, you kind of have to flush that down the toilet and move on."