ARLINGTON, Texas — The NFL battle for Texas on Monday Night Football featuring the Houston Texans (6-4) and Dallas Cowboys (3-6) kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Below are five key things to know ahead of the matchup for the Lone Star State.
No Dak Prescott
It will be Cooper Rush starting at quarterback again for the Cowboys this week in the wake of Dak Prescott's season ending injury. Rush is coming off an abysmal 13-23, 45 yard performance in a 34-6 loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Look for backup QB Trey Lance, former No. 3 overall pick, to get some playing time if Rush comes out struggling again.
WR CeeDee Lamb not 100%
The Cowboys No. 1 receiver is a bit banged up heading into tonight's contest. Lamb had previously been dealing with a shoulder injury and is now working through a back injury, according to Jane Slater. He is projected to play as of right now, but this could impact his snap count and will be something for fans to keep an eye on as kickoff approaches.
WR Nico Collins to return
After WR Stefon Diggs was deemed out for the season with a torn ACL, Houston's passing attack has not been as effective since losing both Diggs and Collins for an extended amount of time. Collins' impact can be seen in the Texans record, as they were 4-1 with him and have now just won two games in the five weeks without him. Expect Collins to have a huge impact on this game in his first action since Week 5 against Buffalo.
TE Dalton Schultz to face former team
Schultz spent the first five years of his career in Dallas before signing with the Texans in the 2023 offseason. Schultz has become a reliable target for QB C.J. Stroud, racking up 635 yards and three touchdowns last season, earning himself a three-year, $36 million extension to stay in Houston. With the aforementioned Diggs out and Collins coming back from injury, look for Schultz to play a big role for Houston's offense tonight in his return to Dallas.
Texans looking for first ever road win against Dallas
Since Houston entered the NFL as an expansion team in 2002, the Texans and Cowboys have only played six times, with Dallas winning the overall series with a record of 4-2. Both of Houston's wins came at home in 2002 and 2018. Houston should have a good chance to get that first win, Dallas is working with a backup QB and have yet to win a game at home this season.
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