JON BOSTIC

Every year, players in every NFL city fail to meet expectations.

Daniel Jones is looking to stay undefeated in his career against Washington when he leads the New York Giants into the NFC East matchup on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster after scoring on a 50-yard pass play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off whatever 2020 threw at them. pointing out time and again the only thing perfect about them was their record. Washington won the Super Bowl that season. The Bills beat the Steelers — minus Roethlisberger — 17-10 at Heinz Field last December to lock up a playoff berth.

FRISCO, Texas – Dallas quarterback Andy Dalton has been cleared for practice after getting through the protocols for a concussion and COVID-19. Coach Mike McCarthy said Dalton participated in an informal practice Monday, the first day back for the Cowboys coming off their open week. Dalton got a concussion Oct. 25 at Washington on a hit that led to the ejection of linebacker Jon Bostic. Dalton was expected to be cleared from that when the 10th-year player was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Nov. 2. The setbacks with Dalton, who replaced injured star Dak Prescott, led to the Cowboys starting four different quarterbacks in a span of five weeks.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passing the ball against Washington Football Team in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passing the ball against Washington Football Team in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)The Dallas Cowboys have placed quarterback Andy Dalton on the reserve COVID-19 list on Tuesday, keeping him out a second straight game after he was sidelined by a concussion. Dalton will be the first Dallas player to go on the COVID-19 list since before the season. Dalton signed a one-year contract to be Prescott’s backup. He was Prescott’s backup for three seasons before the Cowboys signed Dalton and released him.

Hamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. “Division rival, close game,” Chargers running back Justin Jackson explained, adding, “We weren’t too happy with 22′s hit on Buster,” referencing safety Kareem Jackson’s unflagged blasting of running back Troymaine Pope in the second half. “I’ll never watch something weak like that happen to a defenseless teammate and not defend him,” Anderson added. Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins jumped on Wims and soon players from both teams rushed in to break up the ruckus. Wims emerged from the pileup clapping and smiling as he was ejected and escorted to his locker room.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is hit by Washington Football Team inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Landover, Md. Dalton left the field after this hit and Bostic was ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Dalton left the field after this hit and Bostic was ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys declared quarterback Andy Dalton out Saturday for their game in Philadelphia because of a concussion, clearing the way for rookie Ben DiNucci's first start. Prescott was the last rookie to start at quarterback for Dallas four years ago. The Cowboys activated linebacker Sean Lee from injured reserve, setting up the veteran for his season debut. The 11th-year player has been out since the start of training camp because of a core muscle injury that required surgery.

– Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy voiced his disappointment after his team failed to respond to the illegal hit that knocked quarterback Andy Dalton out during the Cowboys loss to Washington on Sunday afternoon. McCarthy said he was bothered that his players didn’t go after Washington linebacker Jon Bostic for his headshot on Dalton in the third quarter. “It definitely was not the response you would expect.”The hit on Andy Dalton that sent him to the locker room 😬Bostic was ejected. The Cowboys said Dalton was alert after the game and flew home with the team. You can’t help the team from the locker room.”Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence wondered after the game if this Dallas team has any fight left in it.

Dalton was 9 of 19 for 75 yards before being injured and walking off under his own power to undergo concussion evaluation. Washington allowed 142 total yards to win a game by double digits for the first time since November 2018. As a team, Washington picked up 208 yards on the ground while allowing just 83. SOCIAL JUSTICEDallas defensive tackle Dontari Poe took a knee during the national anthem, while Collins and Washington offensive lineman Keith Ismael were among those who raised a fist in the air. UP NEXTThe Cowboys visit the 2-4-1 first-place Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, while Washington next plays the New York Giants at home Nov. 8 after its bye week.

___10:09 p.mArizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Irving has been carted off the field after a collision on a kickoff just before halftime against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville rallied from a 16-0 deficit and took the lead, but the Jaguars have been blanked in the fourth quarter. ___7:10 p.m.Tom Brady moved one touchdown pass ahead of Drew Brees for the career lead. Mayfield threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Bryant to even the score in the second quarter. New York leads 3-0.