'Close!' Cowboys ‘3-Headed Monster’ Healthy for Giants Opener?
FRISCO - It's officially game week for the Dallas Cowboys, who will host the New York Giants inside AT&T Stadium on Sunday Night Football to kick off the new season.
There are several questions in need of answers, including the status of safety Donovan Wilson, who suffered a right calf strain at the start of training camp and still hasn't returned to practice.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Monday provided to us here inside The Star the latest update on Wilson's recovery - though he remained vague on whether he'll be ready to play against the Giants.
"Getter better," McCarthy said. "Had a good workout Friday; saw him down here working Friday and Saturday. I'm not ready to put a status on him, but he's getting close."
Wilson, 28, is coming off a breakout season in his fourth year as a professional. A starter in all 17 games, the former sixth-round pick recorded a team-high 101 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, two passes defended and an interception.
He worked on the cords with trainer Britt Brown on Monday. (And also worth noting on the injury front: Sam Williams (toe) was not working during the media portion. And Tyler Smith spent a moment with trainers at one point ... which we'll keep an eye on.)
After showcasing his versatility and emerging as a true difference-maker for the Cowboys' defense, Wilson was rewarded with a three-year, $21 million contract this spring.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn singled out Wilson and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins as those he wants younger players to emulate in regard to toughness. Quinn has also called Wilson one of Dallas' best hitters and tacklers.
Should Wilson miss Sunday night's game, the Cowboys' secondary will be without one of its most important pieces ... but there's still plenty of talent on the back end.
Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse - the other two members of Dallas’ “Three-Headed Monster” at safety - give Dallas two proven players in that group, while cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore will make their first appearance as a duo.
Still, Wilson's ability to do a little bit of everything is crucial for Quinn's defense - it's why the Cowboys made him a priority this offseason - and he'd leave a noticeable void if he's unable to play.
But it's not quite confirmed that Dallas won't have Wilson; after all, he's progressing well and "getting close" ... though making it back for Week 1 may be a tall task.
Regardless, football is back here in The Star - and the same could soon be true for Wilson.
