The Dallas Cowboys had two defenders suffer injuries in their first preseason game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Although Mike McCarthy had few details to share upon his return to Oxnard on Monday, he was able to estimate whether linebacker Malik Jefferson or cornerback Nahshon Wright would be able to play this week.
Jefferson, who reportedly suffered a plantar fascia injury, has “a chance,” according to McCarthy, while Wright could be a more serious concern.
“Nothing really concrete to give you right now,” McCarthy said during his press conference on Monday. “Malik, I think he has a chance for this week. Nahshon would be hard-pressed to go this week.”
Wright suffered a high-ankle sprain and had to use a walking boot after the game on Saturday. He had two tackles before making his exit. Meanwhile, Jefferson had four tackles and a pass defensed.
More on Jefferson, Wright
Dallas signed Malik Jefferson back in February to a Reserve/Futures contract. He was with the organization during the 2022 season but was on the practice squad. Jefferson’s last action in an NFL game came in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts. On the depth chart, he is the third linebacker behind Leighton Vander Esch.
Jefferson is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, having attended Mesquite (TX) Poteet. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and played his college ball with the Texas Longhorns. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his five seasons in the league so far, he’s accumulated 16 tackles in 34 games played.
Nahshon Wright is currently the No. 2 cornerback behind Trevon Diggs, according to the latest Cowboys depth chart. He’s in his third year for Dallas after the team drafted him with the No. 99 pick in the third round in 2021.
The Oregon State alum posted 23 tackles in seven games last season with one interception. As a rookie, Wright had nine tackles in 13 appearances. He is currently playing on a four-year deal for $4.78 million.
The Cowboys defense is already down multiple key players since the start of training camp. Donovan Wilson and Israel Mukuamu both suffered multi-week injuries on the first day of training camp.
Wilson suffered a calf strain on his right leg that could put him out for 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, Mukuamu reportedly pulled a hamstring. McCarthy hasn’t shared a status update on the duo since the days following their injuries.
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