Donovan

Wilson

Wilson was carted from the practice field, but that appears to have been more of a precaution at this point. The fifth-year safety was signed to a three-year, $24 million contract this offseason and will once again be tasked with holding down the back end of the Cowboys’ secondary. Per Rapoport, the Cowboys plan to be cautious with Wilson over the next several days, but the injury is not considered to be serious.

A former sixth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2019, Wilson has appeared in 51 games for the Cowboys in his four-year career and started all 17 last season. A stout enforcer in the running game, Wilson totaled a career-high seven TLFs last season while also recording five sacks -- also a career-best. The first two years will pay out $13.5 million in guaranteed money, making a nice payday for the former Day 3 pick.

Wilson joins edge rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory as the third Cowboys Week 1 starter to be ruled out for Sunday’s home opener. Not exactly good news ahead of a game where the Bolts have an implied total of 29 points. Jayron Kearse should fill in opposite Damontae Kazee, though Malik Hooker will also be making his Cowboys debut.

Neal will likely play the weak-side, joining Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith in the Cowboys’ base defense. He’s spent his first five years as a box safety, posting at least 100 tackles in the three seasons he’s been healthy. Moving Neal to linebacker will allow the Cowboys to keep 2019 sixth-rounder Donovan Wilson at strong safety.

Wilson (6'/199) is a hard-hitting physical safety who will likely make a name for himself on special teams.