Arguably two of the Dallas Cowboys three most important players find themselves  listed as questionable on the final Week 8 injury report ahead of the Week 8 matchup. Left tackle Tyron Smith and quarterback Dak Prescott both find themselves listed as 50/50 chances to suit up against the Minnesota Vikings, with Prescott being labeled a true game-time desicion,

It was believed Prescott’s status would be determined during Saturday’s final practice, but the team has decided to wait until warmups on Sunday night to make the decision. The MVP candidate’s toughness and competitiveness are well documented, but the Cowboys coaches, front office, and even Prescott himself have acknowledged they must look at the big picture of the season and how important it is that this calf issue does not linger.

Fourth-year Central Michigan product Cooper Rush would be the Cowboys’ starter should the team err on the side of caution.

The Vikings will be without defensive tackle Michael Pierce for the third consecutive week. Defensive end Patrick Jones II, a third-round pick, was battling to take over the snaps vacated after Minnesota traded out Stephen Weatherly, but it appears those will go to  Kenny Willekes with Jones being listed as doubtful.

As for Smith, the All-Pro bookend popped up on the injury report ahead of Week 6 with a neck issue, an injury he had surgery on in the offseason, and rolled his ankle against New England. Smith said he “feels great,” and is expected to play Sunday.

Defensive end Dorance Armstrong is the third questionable Cowboy this week as he was limited in practice all week. Armstrong hasn’t played since injuring his ankle in Week 2. Through two games Armstrong looked much improved, and he began carving out his role in the defensive line rotation.

Defensive tackle Brent Urban (triceps) and Maurice Canady (concussion) were added to the injured reserve, while cornerback Kelvin Joseph were activated from the list on Saturday.

Gallup is dealing with a calf strain, like Prescott, and while he hasn’t been activated from IR, he was designated to return, opening up a 21-day practice window. Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said Gallup’s return is “right around the corner.”

Joseph came back to practice this week after injuring his groin in the team’s final exhibition contest, the second-round rookie is set to make his NFL debut Sunday.

Dallas also gets  the services of La’el Collins back this week following his five-game suspension, though Terence Steele will continue to start at the right tackle after playing well in Collins absence. Collins is backing up both right tackle and Connor Williams at left guard, Collins’ position his first two years in the league.