The NFL season is a grind, as the Dallas Cowboys are well-aware of. Injuries, losses, and road trips make up the regular season before a competitive postseason tournament.

Dallas has been hit by the injury bug throughout the season. Tyron Smith suffered a serious injury during the preseason that kept him sidelined for an extended period of time. Then, Terence Steele tore his ACL as soon as Smith returned to action.

Additionally, the secondary has been weakened. Both Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis went down for the season. That means that the Cowboys are forced to rely on Kelvin Joseph, Nashon Wright, and others on the back end.

Cowboys feeling better

Fortunately, the Cowboys appear to be getting healthy at the right time. At least, that's how head coach Mike McCarthy views the situation. And that should excite Cowboys fans with the playoffs just one week away.

Cowboys recently played three games in 12 days. They are on other side of it now with elongated rest following their Thursday game. Mike McCarthy: “The first play of (Wednesday’s) team period, Zeke took off like a rocket ship. …I think they all feel much better.”

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 6, 2023

"I think they all feel much better," McCarthy said after the Cowboys had a long break off following the win over the Titans on Thursday. That is certainly great news due to the fact of getting the bye in the NFC looks unrealistic.

Along the same lines, the Cowboys are confident that Connor McGovern is prepared to step up in a big role. Tyler Biadasz went down with injury against the Titans, but the Cowboys are hopeful that he will be ready for the playoffs.

In the meantime, Dallas is counting on McGovern to take over starting duties at center. He has a "good week" of practice in the lead up to the game against the Commanders, per McCarthy.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Connor McGovern has had a “good week” at center, where McGovern is expected to start Sunday at Commanders. “I like the work that Connor is doing so far this week.” pic.twitter.com/ZZk6jHyUjD

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 6, 2023

The Dallas Cowboys are a dangerous team. That much is clear with a chance to get to 13 wins in the regular season.

If the team truly is feeling "much better" at this point, Dallas should be able to make a lot of noise in the playoffs.

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports