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Cowboys Injury Update: What Roster Moves Mean vs. Giants

Originally posted on FanNation Cowboy Maven
By Jonathan Alfano | Last updated 9/1/23

After a flurry of moves to reach the 53-man roster limit this week, the Dallas Cowboys are still busy making adjustments to their team.

Some of the Cowboys' moves have more to do with injury than anything. Specifically, Dallas placed offensive lineman Matt Waletzko and cornerback Nahshon Wright on injured reserve/designated return, meaning they'll miss at least the first four games of the season.

Meanwhile, Donovan Wilson (calf) isn't practicing this week as he rehabs from his camp hamstring injury. And Sam Williams has missed two days with what the team says is a mild "turf toe'' issue.

Waletzko was a fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in last year's draft. The North Dakota product only played three games as a rookie due to multiple injuries, but the Cowboys remain high on him heading into Year 2. In June, coach Mike McCarthy raved about Waletzko's positional versatility up front.

"You see this guy has a little better feet than we probably realized," McCarthy said. "Then obviously playing tackle with his length, when he walks in the door it's easy to think this guy is going to be a left or right tackle the rest of his career. (But) really shown the ability to (also play) inside."

Wright, meanwhile, was the Cowboys' third-round pick in 2021. The former Oregon State corner has been relatively quiet through his first two years with 24 solo tackles, four passes defended and one interception. He was inactive for much of the early part of the season, but did start the final two games of the year. Dallas' strong corner depth somewhat limits his ceiling, but if he continues building on a solid late-season showing, he can carve out a niche for himself.

The Cowboys gained two more spots on the 53-man roster with Waletzko and Wright going on IR, and they filled those openings with offensive lineman Chuma Edge and long snapper Trent Sieg. Edoga joined the Cowboys this offseason and is important depth for the offensive line.

Waletzko and Wright are both eligible to return for the Cowboys' Week 5 road game against the San Francisco 49ers. Of more immediate importance, though: When can Wilson and Williams help?