Is Tyler Smith playing this week? Latest Week 1 injury updates for Cowboys vs Giants

The Dallas Cowboys open their season against the New York Giants on Sunday night and both squads are navigating injuries to important players. The most notable Cowboys injury is left guard Tyler Smith's hamstring strain.

Smith is confident he'll suit up for Week 1, but Friday's injury report says otherwise, as Smith was listed as doubtful for the game. Owner Jerry Jones said as recently as Tuesday that he expected Smith to play.

Now, Cowboys fans wait with bated breath for a potential Saturday update and Sunday's list of inactives.

In other injury news, safety Donovan Wilson is also doubtful. Wilson has battled a calf strain since training camp and though he's nearing a return to action (he shed his walking boot weeks ago), it appears Dallas is prepared to exercise caution with its $21 million defensive back.

Additionally, left tackle Tyron Smith is questionable with an ankle injury after he popped up on the injury report Thursday. Edge rusher Sam Williams, who's nursing turf toe, is also questionable despite being a full participant Friday.

Cowboys Injury Report: Tyler Smith, Donovan Wilson doubtful, Tyron Smith questionable

A doubtful designation seldom bodes well, but the Cowboys could be playing a game of cat and mouse here.

It's also possible the medical staff doesn't want to risk further damage to Smith's hamstring, but it was a tad surprising he's doubtful after Jones, Mike McCarthy and the player himself expressed confidence to the media.

Regardless, losing Smith would be a huge blow as the Giants have arguably the league's top defensive tackle in Dexter Lawrence. If Smith is out, one of 2023 fifth-round pick Asim Richards, undrafted free agent T.J. Bass or vet Chuma Edoga will slide in at left guard between center Tyler Biadasz and LT Tyron Smith.

Not ideal by any stretch, but we wouldn't give up hope.

After all, Daniel Jones' top target, tight end Darren Waller, is suddenly questionable with a hamstring after practicing all week.

Missing Waller would be a catastrophic blow for the Giants -- even bigger than if both Smith and Wilson can't go.

The Cowboys' offensive line could struggle in Smith's absence, but they have more than enough talent in the secondary to get by without Wilson. Not to mention, they have plenty talent on both sides of the ball to overcome one or two injuries.

The Giants? Not so much, and Waller is shaping up to be the go-to weapon in the Giants' passing game. Throughout training camp, reporters noted Waller was unstoppable and he and Jones showed chemistry in preseason.

Stay tuned for updates on the Cowboys' injury report. Friday's release was underwhelming, but Waller's inclusion is a big silver lining.

More from Our Site: