Donovan Wilson Returns From Injured Reserve, DT Justin Hamilton Signed to Practice Squad

The Dallas Cowboys defense has found its mojo again. Against the New Orleans Saints and Washington Football Team over the last two weeks, they have forced eight turnovers and allowed just 18.5 points per game on their way to back-to-back victories.

Last week, Defensive End Randy Gregory returned to action after missing four games with a calf issue, and Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore made his season debut after suffering an elbow injury during the preseason. More reinforcements are on the way just ahead of the Cowboys’ showdown with the New York Giants on Sunday as Safety Donovan Wilson was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday after dealing with a chest/shoulder injury, and Defensive Tackle Justin Hamilton was signed to the practice squad.

Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson is designated for return from the injured reserve list. He was at practice today. He should be back on the field soon.

Dallas also signed DT Justin Hamilton to the practice squad.

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 15, 2021

Wilson’s 21-day practice window is now in effect meaning he could see the field against the Giants but that’ll depend, obviously, on the progress made before Sunday.

The former Texas A&M Aggie has had a hard time staying on the field in 2021. In addition to his recent ailment, Wilson suffered a groin injury during the preseason which he reaggravated before the Cowboys’ Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, costing him four games.

Wilson has racked up 18 tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit in the six games (three starts) he’s played in this season. His hard-hitting style while playing in the box coupled with Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Damontae Kazee give the Cowboys a formidable group at safety.

Hamilton has had a rollercoaster of a season in Dallas. He was released on August 31 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. After being promoted to the active roster on November 6, he was waived before the Cowboys’ battle with Washington last week and is now making his second trip to the practice squad this season.

Hamilton isn’t always consistent, but he’s shown flashes of being a force against the run. The Cowboys will need him to find some consistency especially with Brent Urban being out for the season after having triceps surgery and add quality depth to what Gallimore, Trysten Hill, and Carlos Watkins bring to the table.