The Cowboys will indeed avoid star Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, as the best Atlanta defender has been ruled out of Sunday’s game after ramping up but still being limited in practice this week.

Jones suffered a foot injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve. Two weeks ago he started stretching with the club and doing rehab work, and was activated last week and began practicing with the scout team. He ramped up to practicing as a part of the defense, but head coach Dan Quinn has been vocal about not playing him until he’s able to go through and do 100 percent of preparation exercises.

That’s good news for the Cowboys as they will need to keep pace with a potent Atlanta offense.

The Cowboys have their own injury concerns with a badly depleted defensive line, but there is some long-term news that should excite fans.

Tavon Austin, out since Week 6’s 40-7 win over Jacksonville, has started doing resistance cord work with Cowboys trainers.

Austin’s groin injury almost landed him on injured reserve, but the Cowboys decided to carry him on the 53-man roster so they could potentially bring a different player back.

Owner Jerry Jones compared Austin’s injury to one suffered by former cornerback Morris Claiborne back in 2016, meaning the 2019 free agent suffered what’s known as an Inguinal Groin Sports Hernia. Claiborne’s injury was described as where some of the bone tore off the pelvis.

The corner was out for nine weeks, which would mean Austin’s return could be around Week 14 or 15, if the Cowboys remain in the playoff hunt.

To do so, they will likely need to pull off their second consecutive road win after losing their first four away from AT&T Stadium. That job is much harder with the following defensive linemen missing from practice.

DE Tacon Charlton (shoulder)

DT Antwaun Woods (concussion)

DT Daniel Ross (calf)

DT David Irving (ankle)

The Cowboys seem hopeful Woods and Charlton may be able to go, but are preparing to activate Christian Ringo from the practice squad if not.