Cowboys' injury update sets the table for rookie potentially being demoted

With the Dallas Cowboys set to play the New York Giants on a short week, the initial injury report of the week is already out and there are some eye-catching names making the list on both sides. 

For the Cowboys, two names stand out: Tight end John Stephens Jr. and cornerback Caelen Carson. 

Carson was a non-participant due to a shoulder injury, which raises question marks at the position. The fifth-rounder has acted as DaRon Bland's replacement during the All-Pro's Injured Reserve stint. Although you can't knock a late round rookie for getting off to a slow start, it's fair to point out Carson had a rough game against the Ravens, missing a tackle on the sidelines on WR Nelson Agholor and later being stiffed arm by RB Derrick Henry, who made the Cowboys' life hell on Sunday. 

Mike McCarthy told reporters on Monday he would know more about Carson's status on Tuesday. If he can't go, the Cowboys could look at involving recently-traded-for Andrew Booth Jr. or maybe even Israel Mukuamu, who has been used mostly as a nickelback by Dallas. 

As for John Stephens Jr., he stands out because he had his first "full" practice of the year and the news sets the table for a shake up at tight end. UDFA Brevyn Spann-Ford has struggled so far this year, including a two-penalty performance against the Ravens this Sunday. 

This is speculation but with how the Cowboys have expressed themselves about Stephens Jr., it's safe to assume he could replace Spann-Ford on the gameday roster, making the latter a potential healthy scratch in Week 4 and moving forward.