FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens week 13 matchup has once again been moved to Tuesday, December 8 at 7:05 p.m. CT; a sign of the times amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The re-scheduling has resembled a game of musical chairs so to speak and a domino effect of the Ravens-Steelers game. Baltimore has had an outbreak of the virus that has resulted in several postponements. The Ravens have had 22 players either test positive for COVID-19 or be considered high-risk contact.
Baltimore was supposed to play Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving, before being moved to Sunday, and then Tuesday, and now both teams are expected to play on Wednesday at 2:40 p.m. CT. The game was re-scheduled three times due to continued positive tests for the virus within the Ravens organization. The list has included several of the team’s star players including quarterback Lamar Jackson, running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins, tight end Mark Andrews, and defensive end Calais Campbell.
Due to the scheduling frenzy, the Cowboys essentially received a second bye week. They will have a 10-day span from their loss to Washington on Thanksgiving until their road game vs. Baltimore on Tuesday. The layoff will give the Cowboys a much-needed break to heal emotionally and physically after the tragic loss of strength and conditioning coordinator, Markus Paul a week ago. However, the switch prompts an extremely quick turnaround for the squad following he Ravens matchup. Dallas will venture into a stretch that consists of two games in six days. The Cowboys will need to get the ice baths ready. To top it off, both are on the road: a night game in Baltimore on Tuesday followed by a noon game in Cincinnati on Sunday.
Center, Joe Looney perfectly summed up the recent events on a conference call with local media.
“What is normal right now in 2020? I think we’re all rolling with these punches and just making sure we’re going out there and putting the best ball out there and trying to win games at the end of the day.”
Amidst the chaos in the world during unprecedented times, this is a game that many Cowboys’ fans have impatiently waited for: the reunion of Dez Bryant and his former team. Dallas may have a new No.88 in CeeDee Lamb and potential pro bowler in his outstanding rookie season, but Dez is the Cowboys’ all-time leader in touchdown catches with 73. Many of Bryant’s spectacular contorted catches are considered to be the team’s most famed. He will now be wearing black and purple and will be standing on the opposing sideline.
Nine weeks into the 2018 season following his release from the Cowboys, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a one-year deal with Bryant worth $1.25 million. Just two days into training with his new team, Dez tore his Achilles’ tendon. He worked his way back and Baltimore officially signed him off the team’s practice squad on Saturday after his production against the Titans.
A comeback story that brings a smile during challenging times, including one on the face of Cowboys’ owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
When asked about the 32-year-old wideout on his weekly show on 105.3 The Fan, Jones stated, “ Dez [Bryant] is an eternal light of positiveness for our game. I couldn’t be happier to see him on the field. Now, I’m going to be a little worried because I do know how that rascal can get up there and get a ball.”
Bryant showcased his admirable catch-radius for many years wearing a star and now, he provides the Ravens with a dangerous weapon on the outside and additional target for Lamar Jackson.
