As the Cowboys prepare to travel to Arizona for their Week 3 matchup against the Cardinals, they do so with heavy hearts.
By now you know All-Pro CB Trevon Diggs tore his ACL at practice on Thursday, and is lost for the season.
There is a silver lining for the trip to Arizona, however.
No, not because the Cardinals are 0-2.
No, not because their defense gets to feast on a quarterback making only his fifth career start.
It's because they likely will welcome back key pieces on both sides of the ball.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys officially list eight players on their final injury report.
Out
CB Trevon Diggs (knee, IR)
Diggs is obviously at the top of this list after his season-ending injury suffered on Thursday. We won't see him until 2024.
No Designation
WR Brandin Cooks (knee), OL Chuma Edoga (elbow), OL Tyler Smith (hamstring), S Donovan Wilson (calf), S Jayron Kearse (illness)
Five players ending the week with no designation is the silver lining going into Arizona.
Brandin Cooks sprained his MCL in Week 1 at the New York Giants, and the Cowboys have been cautious with him since.
After missing the Week 2 matchup versus the New York Jets, Cooks practiced in full on Thursday, and will be a welcome sight on the field.
Starting LG Chuma Edoga exited the Jets game with an elbow injury, but was listed as a full participant in practice by week's end.
Don't expect to see him starting at left guard in Arizona because…
Tyler Smith is back!
The second year lineman is primed for his first game action of the 2023 season after a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined.
His strength will be a welcome addition to the rushing attack.
Another player set to make his debut is Donovan Wilson.
Wilson's calf is now well enough to contribute to a defense that can surely use an emotional boost after the loss of Diggs.
The defense's vocal leader, Jayron Kearse, has not practiced all week while dealing with an illness.
It is believed to be the same illness that held fellow safety Malik Hooker out of practice last week, but like Hooker, Kearse is being cleared to play.
Questionable
RG Zack Martin (ankle), C Tyler Biadasz (hamstring)
Zack Martin, dealing with a groin issue last week, rolled his ankle early in the week, and hasn't practiced.
Reports say holding him out is precautionary, and we should see him in his customary right guard spot on Sunday.
C Tyler Biadasz was a surprise add to the report late Thursday after discomfort in his hamstring during practice.
It is not expected to be serious, but should he suffer a setback after Saturday's walk-through, Brock Hoffman is likely to be called up from the practice squad.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals' injury report isn't as long as Dallas', but they have lost two key pieces of their defense this week.
Out
DB Budda Baker (hamstring, Injured Reserve), DL Carlos Watkins (biceps), LB Josh Woods (ankle)
The Cardinals will be without their top defensive player this Sunday.
Budda Baker has been placed on Injured Reserve-Designated to Return, and will miss a minimum of four weeks.
Former Cowboys DL Carlos Watkins has also been ruled out with a biceps injury that will need surgery.
LB Josh Woods has not practiced all week with an injured ankle.
He is a starting linebacker for HC Jonathan Gannon's defense, and would be a huge blow if he cannot play.
No Designation
OL Kelvin Beachum (hand)
Cardinals swing tackle Kelvin Beachum was listed on the injury report with an injury to his hand, but has practiced all week and is expected to be available.
Questionable
DT Leki Fotu (shoulder)
The Cardinals defensive line could be without another piece if fourth year player DT Leki Fotu cannot get past his shoulder injury.
