The Dallas Cowboys got Cobie Durant back on the practice field Thursday, giving their battered secondary a reason for optimism ahead of Monday night’s visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. The cornerback was a limited participant as he worked back from a hamstring injury.

Durant has missed four games. His first practice since the injury is a meaningful step, but it doesn’t establish that he’ll play Monday or handle a full workload if he does.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Durant said Thursday.

A Chance To Strengthen The Secondary

Dallas has needed more dependable answers against the pass. Through six games, the Cowboys rank 23rd in passing yards allowed at 232.7 per game. Durant’s potential return would give defensive coordinator Christian Parker another option as he sorts through coverage combinations.

The cornerback also wants the defense to generate more takeaways and hand the ball back to Dak Prescott. Dee Winters produced Dallas’ first interception of the season in last Sunday’s loss to Green Bay.

Getting an experienced defensive back into practice helps with preparation, too. Coverage depends on communication as well as individual matchups, and the Cowboys need those pieces working together when Philadelphia tests them.

Practice Progress Isn’t A Game-Day Guarantee

Durant wasn’t the only encouraging development on Thursday’s report. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was a full participant after missing five games with a hamstring injury. His expected return would address another area where Dallas has been short-handed.

That’s a different picture from last week’s defensive absences, when Overshown and Durant both remained unavailable against the Packers. Dallas now has progress to build on as preparations continue.

Philadelphia is managing its own injury questions. Running back Saquon Barkley was limited Thursday, while receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Dallas Goedert didn’t participate. Those are practice designations, rather than final rulings on who will suit up.

For Parker’s defense, the opportunity is straightforward: build a plan around the personnel who are healthy enough to execute it. Durant’s return to drills improves that planning picture. The remaining practices and final injury report will show how much closer that step has brought him to game action.