Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott didn't get to finish the first game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. Breaking his thumb in his throwing hand to miss the next five games.

This time around, Dak is in. As well as the return of three of the Cowboys key starters.

C Tyler Biadasz, LB Leighton Vander Esch and DT Johnathan Hankins. 

Biadasz is huge for the Cowboys run blocking. Missing a lot of power inside without him, and going up against one of the better run-stuffing duo DT's in the game.

McGovern – Biadasz – Martin need to have a big game Monday.

Tampa bay is 8-9 overall, but they’re 6-1 when both Vita Vea and Akiem Hicks both play. Both expected to be in the lineup Monday night.

— Cowboys Due Diligence (@StevieJPTX) January 14, 2023

With Tyron Smith at right tackle and Connor McGovern at center, the Cowboys have lacked power on ground. As opposed to when both Terence Steele (out for the year) and Biadasz have been on the field.

Cowboys were held to 10 yards on seven first-down carries (1.4 average) Sunday behind their starting offensive line. C Tyler Biadasz's expected return for playoffs will help, but run game hasn't been same in four games without Terence Steele (ACL). https://t.co/8FHK5IMJuP pic.twitter.com/j3Oa77HKGX

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 9, 2023

Opening the alleys inside and setting the edges for both Ezekeil Elliott and Tony Pollard. Rushing for under four yards per carry without both starting offensive linemen. Preparing for a defense allowing 4.5 yards per carry (10th most).

On the defensive side, the loss of Hankins has been obvious, but throw in LVE, who is having his best season as a run-stopper, the run defense has looked anemic at times.

You know who continues to play well in the shadows with little acclaim? Johnathan Hankins. A lot of what he does goes unnoticed and isn't on the stat sheet, but he's brings more consistency and stability at NT than the #Cowboys are used to. pic.twitter.com/Ui097ehvXs

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) December 5, 2022

Forcing players like LB Anthony Barr and DT Neville Gallimore to play more than they really need to. Hurting first and second level defense against the run.

The return of both Hankins and LVE adds to a run defense that has struggled, but has also seen in uptick in production of run defense from players like DL Chaucney Golston or DT Carlos Watkins.

Even though the Bucc's ran the ball less than any team in the NFL this season, it doesn't matter. Having put up over 150 yards on the ground in these team's first meeting.

The Dallas Cowboys run offense and defense are getting back these players at the perfect time.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron of USA TODAY Sports