Breaking: Cowboys Safety Donovan Wilson Listed as 50-50 for Monday Night.Ng1

The Dallas Cowboys could be without one of their key defensive starters on Monday night.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told reporters that the availability of safety Donovan Wilson is currently “50-50”, leaving his status for the primetime matchup in serious doubt.

Wilson, who re-signed with the Cowboys earlier this year on a three-year deal, has been battling a lingering groin injury that limited him in practice throughout the week. Although the team is holding out hope that he can participate, Schottenheimer admitted that Wilson’s workload will depend heavily on how his body responds during pregame warmups.

“We’ll see how he feels closer to game time,” Schottenheimer said Friday. “He’s working hard to be out there, but we have to be smart with him. It’s a long season.”

Next Man Up

If Wilson is unable to play, Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker will likely handle most of the safety snaps, with Markquese Bell potentially stepping into an expanded role. Bell has shown flashes of versatility in limited action this year, particularly in run defense, though replacing Wilson’s physical presence and leadership won’t be easy.

Wilson has been one of the emotional leaders of Dan Quinn’s defense, known for his ability to blitz effectively and deliver game-changing hits near the line of scrimmage. His potential absence could limit some of the aggressive looks Quinn likes to call against dynamic offenses.

Cowboys Taking No Chances

The Cowboys have emphasized a cautious approach with injured players this season, especially as they look ahead to a tough stretch of games. With the playoffs in mind, the team doesn’t want to risk aggravating Wilson’s injury early in the campaign.

“Donovan’s a tone-setter for us,” said linebacker Micah Parsons. “But we trust whoever steps in — that’s the mentality of this defense.”

The Bigger Picture

Dallas will finalize its inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff, and all eyes will be on whether No. 6 suits up under the bright lights. For a defense that thrives on energy and communication, Wilson’s status could play a huge role in how the Cowboys start their week under pressure.