Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals Wednesday injury report

The Dallas Cowboys have overcome injuries to multiple key veterans to open up the 2023 season 2-0, surrendering just 10 combined points to the New York Giants and New York Jets.

Dallas has notably been without both left guard Tyler Smith and safety Donovan Wilson in Weeks 1 and 2, and veteran wideout Brandin Cooks in Week 2. Heading into Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, things are trending in the right direction for all three to suit up and play.

Though Smith, Wilson and Cooks are on Wednesday’s injury report, all three practiced in some capacity. Getting back Smith would be a huge lift for the Cowboys, coming off a stellar rookie season.

“We feel very optimistic about Tyler [Smith] having a great chance at having a shot against Arizona,” head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday.

The one surprise was the addition of safety Jayron Kearse, who was listed with an illness. Kearse notched a key interception in the fourth quarter against the Jets and has nine tackles through two games.

Cowboys Wednesday injury report

WR Brandin Cooks (Knee) LP
OG Chuma Edoga (Elbow) LP
S Jayron Kearse (Illness) DNP
OG Zack Martin (Ankle) DNP
OG Tyler Smith (Hamstring) LP
S Donovan Wilson (Calf) FP

Cardinals Wednesday injury report

OL Kelvin Beachum (Hand) FP
DL Leki Fotu (Shoulder) LP
DL Carlos Watkins (Biceps) DNP
LB Josh Woods (Ankle) DNP

The Cardinals, meanwhile, are coming off two close losses: A 20-16 Week 1 defeat to the Washington Commanders, and a 31-28 Week 2 loss to the New York Giants. Arizona enters the tough matchup against Dallas with light injury concerns, with just defensive lineman Carlos Watkins and linebacker Josh Woods on the shelf for Wednesday’s practice.

Facing arguably the NFL’s best defense in the Cowboys, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon knows it’s imperative his team plays a full 60 minutes after squandering a 21-point lead against the Giants.

“The momentum here and there, I don’t really buy into all of that,” Gannon said Monday. “I buy into execution, coaching, and playing well. That’s what we got to do better for four quarters. We’ve shown that we could do it for a period of time. We just got to make sure we can do it for 60 minutes.”