The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off the 2025 NFL season with renewed expectations under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who took over following Mike McCarthy’s departure in January. Meanwhile, Jerry Jones’ franchise is preparing for its opener against the Philadelphia Eagles with a fully recovered Dak Prescott ready to lead.
Not every season opener comes easy. For “America’s Team,” facing the Eagles is a serious early test, a chance to prove they’re ready to shake off the disappointment of last year’s campaign, which ended without a playoff appearance.
The 2025 season marks a crucial year for Prescott, who just turned 32 and enters his 10th NFL season still holding the title of the league’s highest-paid quarterback. While his recent performances on the field leave room for improvement, he won’t have his full supporting cast for the Week 1 clash.
Which player could Prescott’s Cowboys be without for the season opener?
According to NFL insider Todd Archer of ESPN, the player expected to miss the Cowboys’ 2025 season debut is none other than cornerback Caelen Carson, who suffered a hyperextended knee on Sunday. He’s expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks.
Carson is already ruled out for the Cowboys’ preseason games against the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Atlanta Falcons in early August. Now entering his second NFL season, the promising young defender will miss a key opportunity to prove his value to Jones’ team.
Carson’s injury worsens an already concerning situation
Carson’s injury adds to an already depleted cornerback room. Both Trevon Diggs and Josh Butler are on the PUP list due to knee injuries, and rookie Shavon Revel remains on the NFI list as he recovers from surgery. The only bright spot is that DaRon Bland has recently returned to practice, but overall, cornerback depth is a major concern for Dallas heading into training camp.