Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play in Week 12 against the Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys improved to 4-5-1 with a dominant win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The much-maligned Cowboys defense got a boost for game on Monday night and the unit produced its best game of the season, sacking Geno Smith four times and holding the Raiders to 236 total yards.

Dallas faces a far tougher task in Week 12 when the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles come to town. But the Cowboys are healthy for the matchup. Jadeveon Clowney is the only Dallas player to report an injury ahead of Sunday’s game.

The veteran defensive end earned a question mark while dealing with neck and shoulder problems. However, Clowney is expected to play against the Eagles, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Cowboys face a big test against a division foe in Week 12

After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the season started, the Cowboys looked to fill the void left by the All-Pro pass rusher. There is no one-for-one replacement for a player of Parsons’ caliber. That’s why Dallas decided to take a split approach.

The The Cowboys signed Clowney following their Week 2 win over the New York Giants. Dallas is the seventh franchise Clowney has played for in his 12-year career. The 32-year-old DE didn’t have a strong season until 2023 when he played in all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens, racking up 9.5 sacks.

Dallas hoped the three-time Pro Bowler would add depth to their depleted defensive line. Clowney debuted in Week 4. Since then, he has played in every game, collecting 19 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble as a rotational pass rusher.

Of course, Dallas didn’t stop at Clowney. Jerry Jones replaced the big trade deadline, landing Queenen Williams from the New York Jets. Suddenly, the Cowboys’ defensive line looks stronger with a big interior run. With Logan Wilson and DeMarvion Overshawn back from injury, Dallas’ defense is much better than the stats suggest.

The offense stole the show in Week 11 as Dak Prescott made franchise history with a four-touchdown gem. But everyone expected the Cowboys’ offense to play well. If the defense can hold up, Dallas could be a team to watch.

Of course, the Cowboys’ new-look defense landed softly in Las Vegas. Sunday’s match against the Eagles should be more revealing.