2020 Dallas Cowboys season

The 2020 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 61st in the National Football League (NFL), their 12th playing home games at AT&T Stadium, and their first under head coach Mike McCarthy. This was the first season since 2006 that Jason Garrett was not part of the coaching staff, as his contract expired on January 14, 2020. For the second time since 2002, tight end Jason Witten was not on the opening day roster, as he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2020. For the first time since 2012, center Travis Frederick was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on March 23, 2020.

The Cowboys failed to improve upon their 8–8 season from the previous year after their Thanksgiving loss to the Washington Football Team. The next week, they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens to suffer their first losing season since 2015. Factors in their struggles during the season included multiple key injuries, most notably starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffering a compound fracture and dislocation to his ankle during their Week 5 win against the New York Giants.

The team's defense surrendered a per-game average of 29.6 points over a total of 6,183 yards gained, a mark that would not be surpassed until 2025, when the team's defense allowed a per-game average of 30.1 points per game off a total of 6,409 yards gained, by which time the NFL had expanded the schedule to 17 games. The Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive year in Week 17 via their loss to the New York Giants.

(*) - Released before start of season

(**) - Opted out of season due to COVID

(†) - Later released

(††) - Later traded

Notes

• The Cowboys traded their sixth-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for defensive end Robert Quinn.
• The Cowboys were awarded a fifth-round compensatory draft pick for the loss of Cole Beasley during the 2019 free agency period.

Owner/president/general manager – Jerry Jones COO/Executive vice president/director of player personnel – Stephen Jones Senior director of football operations/football administration – Todd Williams Director of salary cap & player contracts – Adam Prasifka Vice president player personnel – Will McClay Director of college scouting – Lionel Vital Director of pro scouting – Alex Loomis Assistant director of college scouting – Chris Hall Assistant to the Head Coach – Laura Fryar Head coaches

Head coach – Mike McCarthy Assistant head coach – Rob Davis Offensive coaches

Offensive coordinator – Kellen Moore Quarterbacks – Doug Nussmeier Running backs – Skip Peete Wide receivers – Adam Henry Tight ends – Lunda Wells Offensive line – Joe Philbin Assistant offensive line – Jeff Blasko Quality control/offense – Chase Haslett Offensive assistant – Scott Tolzien Quality control/analytics – Kyle Valero | | | Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Mike Nolan Defensive line – Jim Tomsula Assistant defensive line – Leon Lett Linebackers – Scott McCurley Defensive backs – Al Harris Defensive backs – Maurice Linguist Senior defensive assistant – George Edwards Quality control/analytics – Ryan Feder Quality control/defense – Cannon Matthews Special teams coaches

Special teams coordinator – John Fassel Assistant special teams – Matt Daniels Video/analytics – Justin Ruud Quality control/analytics – Eric Simonelli Strength and conditioning

Strength and conditioning coordinator – Markus Paul Assistant strength and conditioning – Harold Nash Jr. Assistant strength and conditioning – Kendall Smith |

14 Andy Dalton

 7 Ben DiNucci

 4 Dak Prescott

 5 Clayton Thorson Running backs

40 Darius Anderson

42 Rico Dowdle

21 Ezekiel Elliott

45 Sewo Olonilua FB

20 Tony Pollard Wide receivers

85 Noah Brown

83 Ventell Bryant

19 Amari Cooper

13 Michael Gallup

17 Tevin Jones

88 CeeDee Lamb

18 Aaron Parker

16 Kendrick Rogers

15 Devin Smith

11 Cedrick Wilson Jr. Tight ends

80 Blake Bell

87 Cole Hikutini

89 Blake Jarwin

84 Sean McKeon

86 Dalton Schultz

46 Charlie Taumoepeau | | Offensive linemen

60 Isaac Alarcón T (Int.)

63 Tyler Biadasz C

71 La'el Collins T

72 Cameron Erving G

62 Marcus Henry C

65 Mitch Hyatt T

69 Brandon Knight T

73 Joe Looney C

70 Zack Martin G

66 Connor McGovern G

67 Wyatt Miller T

61 Adam Redmond C

77 Tyron Smith T

74 Terence Steele T

78 Cody Wichmann G

52 Connor Williams G Defensive linemen

51 Bradlee Anae DE

92 Dorance Armstrong DE

68 Ron'Dell Carter DE

75 Neville Gallimore DT

79 Justin Hamilton DT

76 LaDarius Hamilton DE

97 Trysten Hill DT

56 Joe Jackson DE

96 Jalen Jelks DE

90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE

93 Gerald McCoy DT

58 Aldon Smith DE

99 Antwaun Woods DT | | Linebackers

44 Francis Bernard MLB

57 Luke Gifford MLB

50 Sean Lee OLB

53 Justin March OLB

54 Jaylon Smith OLB

48 Joe Thomas OLB

55 Leighton Vander Esch MLB Defensive backs

24 Chidobe Awuzie CB

30 Anthony Brown CB

33 Deante Burton CB

27 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix SS

31 Trevon Diggs CB

29 C. J. Goodwin CB

35 Luther Kirk SS

26 Jourdan Lewis CB

41 Reggie Robinson FS

23 Darian Thompson S

39 Chris Westry CB

37 Donovan Wilson S

25 Xavier Woods FS

28 Daryl Worley CB/FS Special teams

 6 Chris Jones P

91 L. P. Ladouceur LS

 2 Greg Zuerlein K | | Reserve lists

-- Maurice Canady CB (Opt-out)

98 Tyrone Crawford DT (Active/PUP)

94 Randy Gregory DE (Suspended)

-- Stephen Guidry WR (Opt-out)

81 Jon'Vea Johnson WR (COVID-19)

43 Azur Kamara DE (IR)

49 Jamize Olawale FB (Opt-out)

95 Dontari Poe DT (Active/PUP)

32 Saivion Smith FS (COVID-19) 79 active (+1 exempt), 7 inactive |

14 Andy Dalton

 7 Ben DiNucci

 4 Dak Prescott Running backs

34 Rico Dowdle

21 Ezekiel Elliott

20 Tony Pollard Wide receivers

85 Noah Brown

19 Amari Cooper

13 Michael Gallup

88 CeeDee Lamb

17 Malik Turner

11 Cedrick Wilson Jr. Tight ends

80 Blake Bell

89 Blake Jarwin

84 Sean McKeon

86 Dalton Schultz | | Offensive linemen

63 Tyler Biadasz C

75 Cameron Erving T

69 Brandon Knight T

73 Joe Looney C

70 Zack Martin G

66 Connor McGovern G

77 Tyron Smith T

78 Terence Steele T

52 Connor Williams G Defensive linemen

56 Bradlee Anae DE

92 Dorance Armstrong DE

98 Tyrone Crawford DT

96 Neville Gallimore DT

97 Everson Griffen DT

72 Trysten Hill DT

90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE

95 Dontari Poe DT

58 Aldon Smith DE

99 Antwaun Woods DT | | Linebackers

57 Luke Gifford MLB

53 Justin March OLB

54 Jaylon Smith OLB

48 Joe Thomas OLB

55 Leighton Vander Esch MLB Defensive backs

24 Chidobe Awuzie CB

30 Anthony Brown CB

39 Brandon Carr CB

27 Trevon Diggs CB

29 C. J. Goodwin CB

26 Jourdan Lewis CB

41 Reggie Robinson FS

23 Darian Thompson SS

37 Donovan Wilson SS/FS

25 Xavier Woods FS

28 Daryl Worley CB Special teams

 6 Chris Jones P

91 L. P. Ladouceur LS

 2 Greg Zuerlein K | | Reserve lists

83 Ventell Bryant WR (IR)

-- Maurice Canady CB (Opt-out)

71 La'el Collins T (IR)

94 Randy Gregory DE (Exempt)

-- Stephen Guidry WR (Opt-out)

65 Mitch Hyatt T (IR)

43 Azur Kamara ODE (IR)

50 Sean Lee OLB (IR)

49 Jamize Olawale FB (Opt-out) Practice Squad

60 Isaac Alarcón OT (Int.)

44 Francis Bernard MLB

33 Deante Burton CB

51 Ron'Dell Carter DE

79 Justin Hamilton DT

76 LaDarius Hamilton DE

62 Marcus Henry C

87 Cole Hikutini TE

81 Jon'Vea Johnson WR

35 Luther Kirk SS

36 Elijah McGuire RB

45 Sewo Olonilua FB

18 Aaron Parker WR

67 Eric Smith OT

32 Saivion Smith FS

31 Chris Westry CB/FS 54 Active, 9 Inactive, 15 practice squad (+1 exempt) |

34 Rico Dowdle 21 Ezekiel Elliott 45 Sewo Olonilua FB 20 Tony Pollard Wide receivers (WR)

85 Noah Brown 19 Amari Cooper 13 Michael Gallup 88 CeeDee Lamb 17 Malik Turner 11 Cedrick Wilson Jr. Tight ends (TE)

80 Blake Bell 84 Sean McKeon 86 Dalton Schultz | | Offensive linemen (OL) 63 Tyler Biadasz C 69 Brandon Knight T/G 73 Joe Looney C 70 Zack Martin G 66 Connor McGovern G 64 Greg Senat T 78 Terence Steele T 52 Connor Williams G Defensive linemen (DL)

56 Bradlee Anae DE 95 Eli Ankou DT 92 Dorance Armstrong DE 97 Ron'Dell Carter DE 98 Tyrone Crawford DT 96 Neville Gallimore DT 94 Randy Gregory DE 90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE 58 Aldon Smith DE | | Linebackers (LB) 44 Francis Bernard 57 Luke Gifford 50 Sean Lee OLB 54 Jaylon Smith OLB 48 Joe Thomas 55 Leighton Vander Esch MLB Defensive backs (DB)

24 Chidobe Awuzie CB 30 Anthony Brown CB 27 Trevon Diggs CB 29 C. J. Goodwin CB 26 Jourdan Lewis CB 40 Steven Parker FS 28 Rashard Robinson CB 41 Reggie Robinson FS 37 Donovan Wilson SS 25 Xavier Woods FS Special teams (ST)

91 L. P. Ladouceur LS  1 Hunter Niswander P  2 Greg Zuerlein K | | Practice squad 60 Isaac Alarcón T (Int.) 36 Kemon Hall CB 76 Ladarius Hamilton DE 62 Marcus Henry C 87 Cole Hikutini TE 81 Jon'Vea Johnson WR 15 Chris Lacy WR 68 Jordan Mills T 93 Walter Palmore DT 18 Aaron Parker WR 51 Adam Redmond C 10 Cooper Rush QB 67 Eric Smith T 32 Saivion Smith CB/FS (PS/I) 53 Breeland Speaks DE 61 William Sweet T 31 Chris Westry CB/FS (PS/I) Reserve

33 Deante Burton CB (IR) -- Maurice Canady CB (Opt-out) 71 La'el Collins T (IR) 75 Cameron Erving T (IR) -- Stephen Guidry WR (Opt-out) 79 Justin Hamilton DT (COVID-19) 72 Trysten Hill DT (IR) 65 Mitch Hyatt T (IR) 89 Blake Jarwin TE (IR)  6 Chris Jones P (IR) 43 Azur Kamara DE (IR) 59 Justin March (IR) 49 Jamize Olawale FB (Opt-out)  4 Dak Prescott QB (IR) 77 Tyron Smith T (IR) 23 Darian Thompson SS (COVID-19) 99 Antwaun Woods DT (IR) Rookies in italics 52 active, 17 reserve, 14 practice squad |

The Cowboys would have played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, and the Cowboys were to be represented by head coach Jimmy Johnson and safety Cliff Harris. However, the game, the annual Hall of Fame enshrinement and the remainder of the preseason were later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Hall of Fame game between the Cowboys and Steelers was rescheduled for 2021.

The Cowboys' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Despite a fourth quarter comeback attempt, the Cowboys were unable to tie the game or take the lead after wide receiver Michael Gallup was controversially called for offensive pass interference, negating a 47-yard pass from quarterback Dak Prescott and leading to the Cowboys' final drive stalling. With the loss, Dallas started the season at 0–1.

The game began with the Cowboys falling behind 20–0 at the heaviest deficit. The Cowboys would start fighting back with Ezekiel Elliott's touchdown in the second quarter. The Falcons would re-boost their lead but failed the two-point conversion attempt. At halftime, the Cowboys would trail 29–10. Dak Prescott ran for two more touchdowns to cut the Falcons lead to 29–24. The Falcons added another ten points as the Cowboys trailed 39–24. Late in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys scored 16 unanswered points to prevent the Cowboys from starting 0–2, as well as sending the Falcons to their first 0–2 start since 2007. They finished the comeback after they successfully recovered a Greg Zuerlein onside kick with 1:49 left in the game and drove down to the 30 yard-line, where Zuerlein kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired. This was the first time Dallas successfully kicked an onside kick since Week 17 of the 2014 season. With their first win, the Cowboys improved to 1–1 on the season. This win also makes the Cowboys the first team in NFL history to allow at least 39 points and win without defensive takeaways.

Despite initially battling back to take a 31–30 lead late in the 4th quarter, the defense allowed the Seattle offense to score a go-ahead touchdown with 1:47 left to play. The Cowboys would drive into Seattle territory, but the Seahawks would intercept Prescott in the end zone with just six seconds left. With this loss, the Cowboys dropped to 1–2 on the season.

The Cowboys defense had no answers for the Browns' rushing attack. Despite initially leading 14–7, the Cowboys allowed 34 unanswered points by the end of the 3rd quarter. The Cowboys would cut the lead to 41-38 late in the 4th quarter, but the Browns proved they were too strong for the Cowboys as they ran away with the 49–38 win.

With this loss, the Cowboys dropped to 1–3 on the season. This was also the first time since 1994 that the Cowboys lost to the Browns.

Former head coach Jason Garrett, now offensive coordinator of the rival Giants, made his first return to Dallas since leaving the team following the previous season. The game turned into an offensive shootout, with the lead changing multiple times. The Cowboys claimed victory after scoring two consecutive field goals in the final minutes of the game, improving to 2–3 after beating the still-winless Giants. During a tackle made by Giants Logan Ryan in the third quarter with 6:46 remaining, Dak Prescott suffered compound fracture and dislocation injuries to his right ankle, ending his season. Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton finished the comeback for the Cowboys. This win was proven costly as the Cowboys would only win four more games in Prescott's absence.

Dallas concluded its three-game homestand on Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals, with Andy Dalton making his first start in a Cowboys uniform in place of the injured Dak Prescott. However, Prescott's absence would quickly be felt as the Cowboys would struggle on both sides of the ball throughout the game. The Cardinals raced out to a 21–0 lead in the second quarter and never looked back, taking advantage of two fumbles by Ezekiel Elliott and adding an 80-yard touchdown reception by Christian Kirk. The Cowboys offense committed a season-high four turnovers, all of which led to Cardinals scoring drives. Moreover, Dalton struggled in his Cowboys debut, throwing two interceptions and finishing with a 65.8 passer rating. With the 38–10 blowout loss, Dallas dropped to 2–4 for the first time since the 2015 season. The 28-point loss marked their worst at home since losing 37–9 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11 of the 2017 season, and tied that loss for their worst margin of defeat at AT&T Stadium.

The situation went from bad to worse for the Cowboys, who had no answers for Washington's defense. After a goal-line stand on Washington's opening drive, a strip sack by Landon Collins on Andy Dalton led to an early Washington safety. Washington then marched down the field, extending their lead to 9–0 on a 12-yard touchdown run by Antonio Gibson. The Cowboys responded with their only points of the afternoon on a Greg Zuerlein field goal. However, Washington would score two more touchdowns in the second quarter to put the game out of reach for Dallas. With this loss, Dallas dropped to 2–5 on the season, and 0–2 without Dak Prescott. Quarterback Andy Dalton would leave the game in the third quarter following a late hit by Washington linebacker Jon Bostic, who was subsequently ejected. Rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci would finish the game in place of Dalton, who was evaluated for a concussion.

With Andy Dalton ruled out due to the concussion he suffered during the Week 7 loss to Washington, rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci made his first NFL start as the Cowboys visited the rival Philadelphia Eagles in a key NFC East showdown. The Cowboys' struggling defense stepped up against the sputtering Eagles offense, forcing a season-high four turnovers and holding Philadelphia to seven first half points. However, Dallas' offense had struggles of its own - DiNucci lost two fumbles, both of which led to Eagles touchdowns, including a controversial 53-yard return by Eagles safety Rodney McLeod. Further, the Cowboys were held without a touchdown for the second consecutive week, only being able to muster three Greg Zuerlein field goals. DiNucci finished with 180 yards passing and a rating of 64.6 in the 23–9 loss, and Dallas fell to 2–6 on the season and third place in the NFC East. This marked the first time that the Cowboys lost multiple division games in one season since the 2016 season, when all three of their regular season losses came within the division.

The Cowboys entered the game as 14-point underdogs. It would only be the second time in Cowboys history that they would be double digit underdogs at home. The Cowboys would lead at halftime, but the Steelers would pull away and win the game. The Cowboys dropped to 2–7, and suffered their first four-game losing streak since 2015, when the Cowboys had the same such start. This loss also ensures the Cowboys got pushed to the brink of a non-winning season for back-to-back years. This was the first time the Cowboys would do so since they did in 2010–2013.

The Cowboys were 7-point underdogs entering the game. Despite this, the Cowboys snapped their 4-game losing streak and improved to 1–4 without Dak Prescott. The game would be sealed after forcing a turnover on downs and then running out the game clock. The game's biggest highlight was a CeeDee Lamb catch for a touchdown. This win improved the Cowboys to 3–7 on the season.

Thanksgiving Day games

The Cowboys returned home hoping to avoid being swept by the Washington Football Team. A controversial fake punt attempt caused the Cowboys, who were already trailing, to trail further. The Cowboys would never score again, as the Cowboys dropped to 3–8 and were swept by Washington for the first time since 2012. This loss also ensures the Cowboys could no longer improve on their 8–8 season from the previous season.

The depleted Cowboys traveled to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, in search of the franchise's first win there. The game was originally scheduled to be played on December 3, 2020. Due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the Ravens organization, the game was moved to December 8. The Cowboys continued to struggle, and dropped to 3–9 and were guaranteed their first losing season since 2015. The Cowboys lost 6 of the last 7 games without Dak Prescott. The Cowboys have not won in Baltimore since 1981 when they beat the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium 37–13.

Andy Dalton made his first return to Cincinnati since getting released by the Bengals during the 2020 offseason. The Cowboys improved to 4–9 with the blowout win. This win keeps the Cowboys in the race for an NFC East title, aided by the fact that all NFC East teams had losing records.

The Cowboys returned home without injured Ezekiel Elliott, to play against the 49ers, another team dealing with injury issues throughout the season. The Cowboys jumped out to a 14–0 lead early, by touchdown plays by Tony Pollard and wide receiver Michael Gallup. Like it has been all season long, the Cowboys defense struggled all game long. Despite the weak defensive performance, the Cowboys defense took the ball away four times, tied the most takeaways by the Cowboys in the 2020 season. CeeDee Lamb returned a kickoff for a 47-yard touchdown, making the score 41–27. With the game already won, the Cowboys gave up a touchdown on the last play of the game, ending the game with the final score of 41–33. The win, with assistance from a loss by the Washington Football Team improved the Cowboys to 5–9 and kept the Cowboys' season alive, as well as eliminating San Francisco from playoff contention. As of 2025, this remains the Cowboys last win over the 49ers.

After falling behind 14–3 after one quarter, the Cowboys outscored the visiting Eagles 34–3 over the final three quarters. The 37–17 win improved Dallas to 6–9 on the season and eliminated Philadelphia from playoff contention. The Cowboys' own playoff hopes were also kept alive thanks to the Washington Football Team's 20–13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. This win was Dallas' 40th home win and 70th overall win against Philadelphia in their rivalry.

Despite a second-half comeback, a decision to not attempt a two-point conversion on their third quarter touchdown came back to haunt them, since, trailing by 4 points instead of 3 within 10 yards of the end zone and having to get a touchdown rather than a field goal, their touchdown pass was intercepted and the Cowboys lost to the Giants for the first time since 2016, ending a seven-game winning streak against them. With the loss (though even if Dallas had won, the Washington win hours later would have still eliminated them), Dallas finished 6–10 and missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 2010–13 seasons. This was also the first time since 2015 that the Cowboys lost 10 or more games in a season. With this loss, the Cowboys went 4–7 without Dak Prescott. This would be the Cowboys last loss to the Giants until 2025 and the last time they missed the playoffs until 2024.

• "2020 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
• Official website