The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, 34-26. Moreover, while the result was likely the final nail in the Cowboys’ playoff hopes, two players received bad news on top of the loss.

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The Cowboys simply had to have Sunday’s game against the Vikings. They didn’t get it, and the postseason now is all but out of reach.

The Cowboys received mixed news as the second half started. Javonte Williams was back (and did well on his first carry), but Hunter Luepke was ruled out with a concussion. It was noted that the injury occurred on the final kickoff to end the first half.

Mounds View native Jordan Boll had just watched the Vikings beat the Cowboys on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium in suburban Dallas. He was walking back to his rental car with a few friends when he heard an engine revving in the distance. The rest is a blur.

After taking criticism following his performance against the Detroit Lions, how did George Pickens respond against the Minnesota Vikings?

The 34-26 defeat was the second-straight loss for Dallas after a three-game winning streak put them over .500.

Washington put up a formidable effort against the defending champions, but they came up short against an Eagles side that was coming off a dominant 31-0 shutout of the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. Philly secured a 29-18 win to improve to 10-5 on the season.

The Cowboys aren't mathematically eliminated from the playoffs at 6-7-1, but it would take a miracle for them to make it.

Schottenheimer would have been handing a game ball to Javonte Williams (15 carries, 91 yards, second quarter missed due to a shoulder injury) had Dallas won the game. But this defense doesn’t really stop people these days, so the Cowboys are back in the same boat, needing 30-plus to even consider the victory column.