After the disappointing loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dallas Cowboys have little time to reflect. Against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, it comes down to a test of character for Dak Prescott and Co. on Thursday.

Munich/Dallas – The Dallas Cowboys are looking to make amends after their disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the next task awaiting the NFC East leaders on Thursday as part of the Thanksgiving games, there is not much time to prepare. For head coach Mike McCarthy, however, this should not necessarily be a disadvantage.

“The fact that we get a chance to play again right away is always good when you haven’t performed that strongly,” McCarthy told “ESPN” after the 9-19 loss to the Chiefs. Quarterback Dak Prescott also wants to quickly forget his poor performance on Sunday.

Dak Prescott: “Pissed off “

The Cowboys playmaker did very little against the Chiefs. At the end of the game, Prescott had 216 passing yards and two interceptions. He also afforded himself a costly fumble.

“I’m not discouraged, I’m pissed off,” Prescott explained after the game: “I’m pissed off because I didn’t play well, the team wasn’t good and the offence in general didn’t run,” he said disappointedly. After his serious injury last year, Prescott is a hot candidate for the “Comeback Player of the Year” award.

Because he leads the Cowboys to a record of seven wins and three losses – the team is clearly on course for the playoffs. Still, Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs pisses him off big time. “We had a chance to compete against a team that has been in the Super Bowl time and time again the last few years,” Prescott said.

“We can only learn from the loss. Now we have a short week ahead and we have to keep our eyes forward,” he continued. The Cowboys will need a different Prescott again in the home game against the Las Vegas Raiders, especially since two important players could be missing on the offensive side anyway.

Dallas Cowboys without Cooper, Lamb questionable

Star receiver Amari Cooper was already missing against the Chiefs after contracting the corona virus. Because he hasn’t been vaccinated, that means he’ll automatically miss against the Raiders. The injury worries in the Cowboys offence did not diminish on Sunday, however.

Shooting star CeeDee Lamb injured his head already in the first half and had to leave the game with a concussion. “He’ll be fine,” Prescott predicted of his favourite kick-off centre: “He should be better soon,” the playmaker said.

With the short week, it is questionable whether Lamb will be fit in time for Thursday. The 22-year-old took a nasty fall on the back of his head and would have to successfully pass the NFL’s rigorous concussion protocol in just a few days.

If Lamb and Cooper are out, the rest of the Cowboys offense faces a real test of character.

How good are the Cowboys really?

“We’ve got to move on and trust the guys we have available,” Prescott said of the looming blowout. Head coach McCarthy also expressed confidence. “Obviously you have certain plays for certain receivers, but I don’t think we have to make any major changes to our basic plan,” the coach said.

“I’m ready if guys can’t play at the end,” backup receiver Cedric Wilson said, “Whatever the plan is for Thursday: I’ve got to give it everything I’ve got in me,” continued the 26-year-old, who has caught three of Prescott’s touchdowns this season.

In addition to Wilson, wide receiver Michael Gallup as well as tight end Dalton Schultz are also expected to face a busy workday. Star running back Ezekiel Elliott also has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, as the Raiders have allowed the fourth most rushing yards in the NFL so far.

In general, the team from Las Vegas is in a downward spiral. In the past three weeks, they have suffered three crushing defeats, and anything other than a win for the Cowboys would be a big surprise;

After the loss to the Chiefs, Prescott and Co. want to do everything they can to get back on track. If they manage to win against the Raiders despite the prominent absences, Prescott and Co. would have successfully passed the character test.