The New York Giants will have defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul when they face off against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, but the Cowboys weren't so lucky with one of their best defensive ends.
NFL inactive list, Week 1: Giants vs. Cowboys - Jason Pierre-Paul in, Anthony Spencer out
The New York Giants get their premier pass rusher back, while the Dallas Cowboys aren’t so lucky.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Anthony Spencer is on Dallas' inactive list after suffering a setback following knee surgery. Spencer was responsible for 95 tackles in 2012, including 11.0 sacks, just a shade behind team sack leader DeMarcus Ware. His absence will help a Giants offensive line that is dealing with its own injuries, with center David Baas and tackle David Diehl missing tonight's game.
The activation of Pierre-Paul provides a huge boost for the Giants’ defense, as coaches hope he’ll be able to return to his form from 2011. Last year was a poor season for Pierre-Paul, who managed to get Pro Bowl honors despite finishing with just 6.5 sacks on the year.
Here are the full inactive lists for both teams:
New York Giants
| Name | Position |
| Adrien Robinson | TE |
| David Diehl | T |
| Adewale Ojomo | DE |
| Damontre Moore | DE |
| David Baas | C |
| Ryan Nassib | QB |
| Johnathan Hankins | DT |
Dallas Cowboys
| Name | Position |
| Brian Waters | G |
| Caesar Rayford | DE |
| Lance Dunbar | RB |
| Danny McCray | SS |
| Darrion Weems | T |
| Anthony Spencer | DE |
| Cole Beasley | WR |
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