Cowboys Dealt Unfortunate News Before Panthers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 3:31 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys played arguably their best game of the 2025 NFL season under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, taking down Justin Fields and the New York Jets 37-22 in Week 5. Now, the Cowboys will look for a second straight win in Week 6, facing Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.

Against the Jets, Prescott had his best performance of 2025 as well, throwing for 237 yards and four touchdowns. What made it more impressive is that he did it without four of his starting offensive linemen and All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The defense was missing a few key pieces as well, with linebacker DeMarvion Overshow still recovering from a 2024 injury and safety Malik Hooker dealing with a toe issue.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer against the Philadelphia EaglesEric Hartline-Imagn Images

But in Week 5, Dallas injury problems continued to grow as starting safety Donovan Wilson suffered an undisclosed injury against New York, while linebacker Jack Sanborn, also a starter, left the same game early with a concussion. And the injuries were severe enough to force both players to miss practice on Wednesday.

Along with Wilson and Sanborn, running back Miles Sanders, who didn't play against the Jets, was able to participate in practice, but he was forced to leave early.

"Did not see Donovan Wilson, KaVontae Turpin or Jack Sanborn at the media’s viewing of practice today," wrote Cowboys staff writer Tommy Yarrish. "Miles Sanders was out there for some of the media’s viewing period, but went back to the locker room early."

Did not see Donovan Wilson, KaVontae Turpin or Jack Sanborn at the media’s viewing of practice today

Miles Sanders was out there for some of the media’s viewing period, but went back to the locker room early. pic.twitter.com/G566STZOsN
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) October 8, 2025

Despite a 2-2-1 record, the Cowboys have fielded one of the NFL’s weakest defenses this season, allowing a league-worst 412.0 yards per game, and they certainly can’t afford to lose any more players. However, the Prescott-led offense has helped offset those struggles, averaging a league-best 406.6 yards per game.

Still, Wilson and Sanborn have proven to be valuable members of Schottenheimer’s defense, ranking among the Cowboys’ top three tacklers through five games. As of Wednesday, their status for the Panthers matchup remains unclear.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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