The Dallas Cowboys will have two first-time starters today as they host the New York Giants: rookie center Tyler Biadasz and safety Donovan Wilson. While both have seen playing time already this year, this will be their debut as members of the first-team offense and defense.
Biadasz is getting the start because Joe Looney went to injured reserve yesterday with a knee issue. It should only be a short-term issue; Looney will likely return to the starting lineup after serving the 3-week minimum on IR.
Wilson's ascension is due to performance, namely the poor play of Darian Thompson. Now in his second year with the Cowboys, Donovan entered midway through last week's loss to the Browns after Thompson suffered egregious breakdowns in coverage.
Cowboys have officially placed C Joe Looney (knee) and LT Tyron Smith (neck) on injured reserve
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 10, 2020
A couple Cowboys players to make first NFL start on Sunday vs. Giants: C Tyler Biadasz, a rookie fourth-round pick, and safety Donovan Wilson, a 2019 sixth-round selection, sources said. Wilson brings some playmaking to secondary. "A ball guy," as Jason Garrett often called him.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 10, 2020
Fans have been clamoring for Donovan Wilson to get more playing time after his play-making ability was flashed during the 2019 preseason. Pro Football Focus graded Wilson as the top rookie from that preseason from among all teams at all positions.
An ankle injury kept Wilson from playing early in Dallas' 2019 season and allowed other players, such as Darian Thompson, to secure their places on the depth chart. But the Cowboys are going to try something new after weeks of defensive struggles.
Things aren't too pretty on the offensive line, either. Tyler Biadasz still might have started today even if Looney was playing; Tyron Smith is now on IR with La'el Collins and both offensive tackle spots are open. If the Cowboys still had Looney, they might have opted to slide Zack Martin back over to right tackle rather than start Chaz… I mean…Terence Steele.
Dallas is desperate for a win as they open divisional play and face one of the worst teams in the NFL. Hopefully these young players are ready, because funny things happen whenever the NFC East rivals match up.
