The NFC East is one of the closest divisions in the NFL this season, and players returning from injuries at this point of the season could have major implications. The New York Giants welcomed back offensive tackle Will Beatty Wednesday, as he will participate in individual drills Wednesday, according to Tom Rock of Newsday.
Beatty suffered a torn pectoral injury this past summer lifting weights and has since had surgery to repair it. The Giants offensive line struggled this past Monday against the Eagles and gave up three big sacks. Head coach Tom Coughlin said that Beatty will be brought along slowly, which means he is unlikely to play this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk.
The Giants face off this Sunday against the Cowboys, who will be getting Randy Gregory back. It is unknown, however, if star wide receiver Dez Bryant will be able to return. Bryant reportedly could go this week if he has a good couple days of practice, but he is expected to practice on the side with the team's medical staff on Wednesday, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. The Cowboys will probably need to see Bryant participate in at least one full practice before he returns for a game. Head coach Jason Garrett hasn't ruled out Bryant for Sunday's game, but it seems like they are focused on getting him 100 percent healthy before he returns to the field.
The Giants and Cowboys aren't the only team-making practice news Wednesday, as linebacker Kiko Alonso will return to practice Wednesday, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. The Eagles star linebacker went out week two with an ACL injury, but after recovering and resting, he looks ready to get back on the field. The Eagles also get linebacker Mychal Kendricks back at practice after he sat out the past three weeks with a hamstring injury. The return of both Alonso and Kendricks could be huge, especially since linebacker DeMeco Ryans hurt his hamstring Monday night against the Giants.
The NFC East looks to be a division that will be decided the last week of the season, and the health of key players could determine who comes out on top.
