Cowboys use 12 defensive backs in three games amid injuries

Thompson out, Durant doubtful for Texans game

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 38m1 min read

Twelve defensive backs have taken snaps in first three games because of injuries. Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: Dallas opened with Daron Bland and Cobie Durant at corner, Caleb Downs in nickel and Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson at safety. Durant is listed as doubtful, Thompson as out and Hooker as questionable entering Week 4.

Why it matters: Rotation on that scale strains continuity in coverage against Houston in Week 4. Dallas has dipped to reserves such as Caelen Carson and Ameer Speed, who played limited snaps in 2025.

By the numbers: Cobie Durant: 40 tackles, 3 interceptions in 17 games in 2025. Caelen Carson: 17 tackles in 8 games in 2025. Ameer Speed: 2 tackles in 2 games in 2025.

What to watch: Dallas faces Houston with final secondary availability still to be settled.

Sources

@WerderEdNFL 2026-09-30T00:57:21.650436+00:00

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NFLInjuryDallas CowboysCobie DurantJalen Thompson

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