Cowboys: Multiple starters to miss practice before Week 1 Giants game

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that LG Tyler Smith and S Donovan Wilson wouldn't be practicing on Wednesday ahead of the team's season opener versus the New York Giants, per Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken. Smith is dealing with a hamstring strain that was confirmed on Tuesday through an MRI but the […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Sep 6, 2023 12:41 PM EDT

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks with his team back to the locker room following pregame warmups against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Smith is dealing with a hamstring strain that was confirmed on Tuesday through an MRI but the severity of which remains unclear. Wilson's absence has been more extended as he suffered a calf strain at the beginning of training camp.

Both players will do rehab work with the hope of being able to practice by the end of the week.

The Cowboys' road test against the Giants isn't an easy one even at full health and Smith's potential absence in the trenches could spell trouble against one of the best interior defensive lines in the entire NFL. However, hamstring injuries can linger for entire seasons, so it'll be intriguing to see how the coaching staff handles one of the first tough decisions of the season.

As for Wilson, the Cowboys have depth at safety in Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse. Even still, if the veteran Wilson misses the game, it'd mean even less depth for a defense that is aiming to blur the line between safeties and linebackers. Kearse will likely be matched up against Darren Waller but Wilson's versatility and tackling would be greatly missed elsewhere on Dan Quinn's defense if he can't go.

Then there's backup edge rusher Sam Williams, who's also missing practice with a turf toe. The second-year defender who was arrested earlier this summer is expected to break out in a major way in 2023 behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

However, the Cowboys have the pieces to overcome his absence if it comes to that.