The Dallas Cowboys have deemed cornerback Caelen Carson doubtful for Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants due to a shoulder injury, further depleting their secondary ahead of this crucial NFC East matchup. Safety Markquese Bell is also listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, although the Cowboys have no other injury concerns for the game. While Bell has played a backup role in the first three games this season, Carson has been a starting outside cornerback since Week 1.
Carson, a fifth-round rookie from Wake Forest, stepped into the starting position in late August after Pro Bowler DaRon Bland underwent foot surgery. Bland is eligible to return from injured reserve next week and is expected back on the field before the end of October.
As the Cowboys (1-2) prepare to face the Giants (1-2), they may have to do so without both Carson and Bland as they look to break a two-game losing streak. To fill Carson’s spot, Dallas could shift slot corner Jourdan Lewis to the outside and bring Israel Mukuamu onto the field. Mukuamu, who mainly played safety for the Cowboys last season, demonstrated his ability to cover slot receivers and tight ends during training camp and the preseason.
If Lewis stays in the slot, Andrew Booth could play a significant role in his first regular-season game with Dallas. The Cowboys acquired Booth from the Vikings in a trade during training camp. The 2022 second-round pick has played 23 games, starting two, for Minnesota over the past two seasons, but has been inactive for Dallas in its first three games this year.
Additionally, veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye, who is not currently on the 53-man roster, could step in. Oruwariye, who played 54 games with 36 starts for the Lions and Jaguars before joining the Cowboys’ practice squad at the end of August, had his best season in 2021 with six interceptions and 11 passes defended for the Lions. His playing time and performance declined afterward, and he was with the Giants last season but didn’t appear in any games before being released in October.
The Giants are also facing injuries in their secondary, with cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and Dru Phillips out due to calf injuries, leaving them without their two best slot cornerbacks. This situation could benefit Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers from the slot in recent seasons.