Dallas Cowboys Face Growing Injury List Ahead of Week 4 Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a challenging start to their 2026 campaign as roster depth faces a significant test following an influx of injuries. Standing at a 1-2 record and sitting in third place within the NFC East, the franchise is dealing with physical setbacks across virtually every positional group on the roster. As the team prepares for its upcoming Week 4 contest on the road against Houston, coaching staff and training personnel must adjust to losing several key contributors to injured reserve and weekly inactivity lists.

Defensive depth has taken a severe hit, particularly across the secondary and linebacking units. Free safety Malik Hooker was listed as inactive for the Week 3 matchup against Baltimore due to a forearm injury. Cornerback Decobie Durant and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown were also ruled out for the Week 3 contest, both struggling with lingering hamstring issues. Defensive back Jalen Thompson remains questionable for the Week 4 game at Houston while working through a hamstring ailment of his own. Additionally, defensive back P.J. Locke has been placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, with an expected return timeline set for Week 7. Cornerback Devin Moore is currently on injured reserve with an undisclosed issue, aiming for a potential Week 5 return. Linebacker Marist Liufau was placed on injured reserve due to a forearm injury and is likewise projected to return in Week 5. Defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam Jr. remains on injured reserve as well, recovering from a triceps injury.

Offensively, the front line and skill positions are similarly affected by physical ailments. Guard Tyler Smith was placed on injured reserve with a thumb injury, though the team anticipates he could return by Week 5 to bolster the interior offensive line. Center Matt Hennessy remains on injured reserve while recovering from a neck injury. The tight end room has been depleted significantly, with Princeton Fant placed on injured reserve following a severe knee injury involving both his ACL and MCL. Fellow tight end DJ Rogers is also sidelined on injured reserve with a knee condition. On the ground, running back Malik Davis continues his stay on injured reserve due to a hip injury.

Beyond the physical injuries, offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius and wide receiver Camden Brown were held out of the Week 3 game against Baltimore as coach’s decisions. With multiple starters and reserves sidelined, Dallas faces an uphill battle to stabilize its record and sustain competitiveness in the NFC East division standings as the regular season progresses.