Just as the Dallas Cowboys were hoping to stabilize after a wave of injuries during training camp, the team has been dealt yet another setback. Promising young cornerback Caelen Carson is now facing a potentially serious knee issue — adding to the growing list of injury concerns that could reshape the team’s preseason outlook.

The injury occurred during a non-contact drill early Tuesday morning, sources inside the Cowboys’ training facility confirm. Carson, a rookie with high expectations entering camp, went down awkwardly after backpedaling on a coverage rep. While he was able to walk off the field under his own power, team medical staff quickly sidelined him for evaluation.

According to early reports, the injury appears to involve ligament strain or hyperextension, though the team has yet to release an official diagnosis. Carson is undergoing further testing, including an MRI, to determine the full extent of the damage.

A Promising Rookie Season in Jeopardy?

Caelen Carson, a standout at Wake Forest, was drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Known for his agility, closing speed, and ability to read offenses, Carson was beginning to emerge as a possible rotational player in the Cowboys’ secondary. His performance in early camp practices had drawn praise from coaches and fellow players alike.

Now, however, his progress is on hold — and his Week 1 availability is uncertain.

“It’s tough to see a young guy like Caelen go down,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during a post-practice media session. “He’s been working hard, making plays, doing all the right things. We’ll wait for the medical team to give us a clearer picture before we jump to any conclusions.”

Mounting Injuries Raise Serious Concerns

Carson’s injury is the latest in a troubling pattern for the Cowboys this offseason. Over the past two weeks alone, several key players — including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, tight end Jake Ferguson, and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa — have been sidelined with various ailments ranging from hamstring strains to shoulder sprains.

The rash of injuries has raised red flags for team management and sparked internal discussions about modifying the intensity and structure of training camp. Analysts are already questioning whether the Cowboys’ conditioning and injury-prevention protocols need reevaluation.

Depth Chart Shuffled Once Again

With Carson potentially out for an extended period, the Cowboys may look to second-year player Nahshon Wright or veteran Jourdan Lewis to step up in his absence. Alternatively, the front office could explore free-agent options or short-term trades to bolster the secondary before the regular season kicks off.

“It’s still early,” McCarthy emphasized. “We’re going to make sure Caelen gets the care he needs and then take it from there. We’ve got depth in that room, but obviously you hate losing anyone — especially a young talent.”

What’s Next for Carson?

Pending the results of his MRI and further evaluation, Caelen Carson’s timetable for return remains unknown. However, early indications suggest the team will take a cautious approach to avoid exacerbating the issue.

For Carson, the injury comes at a particularly cruel time. Just as he was beginning to find his rhythm in the NFL, he now faces the uncertainty and frustration that come with rehab and recovery.

Still, team insiders remain optimistic about his long-term potential — if the injury proves to be minor or moderate.