The Dallas Cowboys’ injury situation is getting worse by the day. Thursday’s injury report ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers includes several items that should worry Cowboys fans, especially on defense.

Several key players did not practice, and the absences stretch across the secondary, the pass rush, and the receiving corps. Let’s break it down.

Cowboys secondary takes another hit

Alijah Clark popped up on the injury report Thursday as a non-participant with an illness. That is significant.

Dallas is already without safety Jalen Thompson, who is on injured reserve, and PJ Locke, who Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer ruled out Monday. If Clark is able to go, the Cowboys could lean on him.

The problem is what happens if he can’t. The absences at safety leave Dallas with two options. Caleb Downs can stay in the nickel while the Cowboys play Clark or Markquese Bell, or the Cowboys can move Downs to safety alongside Malik Hooker.

If you look at the Cowboys’ defensive success against the Indianapolis Colts, a lot of it had to do with Downs moving around. Clark also provides a lot of special teams value, so his availability goes beyond defensive snaps.

Then there’s cornerback Joey Porter Jr., another non-participant Thursday. Porter Jr. spoke to reporters and described his foot as “jacked up.” He said the issue emerged from the Houston Texans game. He had been playing banged up at around 70%, and he decided to shut it down to get some rest and actually heal.

The Cowboys aren’t ready to rule him out yet. However, missing both Wednesday and Thursday practices is probably not a good indication for his status.

Pass rush depth in question

Outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. He suffered an ankle injury during the Colts game, and that raises real questions about the pass rush.

Right now, things are not trending in the right direction for Ezeiruaku.

The Cowboys have said Jayshawn Barham could see increased work at outside linebacker. If Ezeiruaku can’t go, Dallas would be down its No. 2 edge rusher in terms of snap counts. The Cowboys are already without Malachi Lawrence, who is also on injured reserve. That is a banged-up group.

Offensive updates for Cowboys vs. 49ers

Tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Tyler Goodson were non-participants, which was expected after both were ruled out earlier in the week.

Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, who has missed back-to-back games, was also a non-participant. His status might be more relevant depending on George Pickens, who was limited Thursday after being limited Wednesday as well.

I don’t want to speculate too much here. But Schottenheimer did say Monday that Pickens “ran out of time,” and that he was close to playing against the Colts.So it does seem like Pickens has a legitimate shot to be green-lighted for the 49ers matchup.

KaVontae Turpin was limited Wednesday and Thursday as he works back from a ribs injury. He has missed multiple games since taking that big hit, and his return could change the dynamics of the wide receiver room a bit.

With Ferguson out, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford were full participants. It looks like they will lead the tight end charge. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys elevate James Mitchell again, and that’s probably the route they need to take. He still has a practice squad elevation left. After that, he would have to be signed to the 53-man roster if Dallas wants to keep playing him.

Other names on the Cowboys injury report

Juanyeh Thomas was limited with a hamstring injury. He won’t play on defense, but he has become a special teams ace. Hamstring injuries can linger, so that’s one to watch.

On the positive side, DeMarvion Overshown was a full participant after being limited Wednesday. He’s trending toward playing. Everyone else on the team was a full participant.

That includes fourth-round rookie corner Devin Moore, listed with a hip injury, had his 21-day practice window opened earlier in the week. That gives the Cowboys a decision to make at cornerback. Do they activate the rookie corner for depth, especially with Porter Jr.’s status up in the air? What exactly do they want to do with him?

Those are the injury updates for Dallas heading into Week 10 against San Francisco. Friday’s report should bring more clarity, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where the Cowboys can least afford more bad news.