Dallas Cowboys starting safety in jeopardy of playing Sunday

The Dallas Cowboys injuries continue to pile up.

According to John Machota, who covers the Cowboys for The Athletic, starting safety Donovan Wilson is dealing with a hip injury and could miss Sunday’s matchup vs. the Chargers. He didn’t practice Wednesday and won’t practice again on Thursday, according to the report.

This would be yet another major blow to the Cowboys defense that lost veteran pass-rusher Demarcus Lawrence earlier this week. Randy Gregory’s status is also uncertain due to COVID-19 protocols.

If Wilson is unavailable on Sunday, the Cowboys will likely turn to Jayron Kearse, a 5-year NFL veteran. Malik Hooker also makes his regular season debut on Sunday so it will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Dan Quinn adjusts against the potent Chargers offense.

Cowboys preparing for Chargers without key defensive starters

Earlier this week, The Dallas Cowboys said they were proceeding to their matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers under the assumption that Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory will not suit up on Sunday. 

“Cowboys are proceeding on assumption they will face LA Chargers Sunday without starting DEs DeMarcus Lawrence & Randy Gregory, sources said,” David Moore of Dallas Morning News said. “Lawrence hurt his foot in Wednesday’s practice & Gregory is on COVID list. Dallas was one of only 2 teams without a sack in Week 1.” 

DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a foot injury in Wednesday’s practice and was listed as a limited participant. Gregory was added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list.