Caelen Carson Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Chargers vs Cowboys game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Dec 1, 2025
Returns to full practice Monday
Carson (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Monday, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was unable to play in Thursday's Week 13 win over Kansas City due to a hamstring injury. However, his ability to practice in full Monday suggests he has a good chance of returning to action this Thursday versus Detroit. Rookie Shavon Revel stepped into a starting role on Thanksgiving in Carson's absence, but Revel would likely return to more of a rotational role should Carson be able to return against the Lions.
Nov 27, 2025
Unavailable Thursday
Carson (hamstring) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was initially listed as questionable to play Thanksgiving Day after popping up on Tuesday's injury report as a limited participant, and his hamstring injury will now force him to miss at least one game. Expect rookie third-round pick Shavon Revel to handle an increased role on defense versus Kansas City, and as long as Carson remains sidelined.
Nov 26, 2025
Questionable for Week 13
Carson (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chiefs, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson popped up on Dallas' injury report Tuesday as a limited practice participant due to a hamstring issue, putting his availability for Thursday in question. He's been an impactful corner for the Cowboys over the last two weeks, recording six total tackles and two passes defensed during that span. If the second-year pro is sidelined in Week 13, expect rookie Shavon Revel to have an expanded role in Dallas' secondary.
Oct 19, 2025
Active for Week 7
Carson (knee) is active for Sunday's contest against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Carson will make his regular-season debut after missing the team's first six games of the season while on injured reserve with a knee injury. The 23-year-old may be asked to draw a start at cornerback with Trevon Diggs (concussion) unavailable versus Washington.
Oct 18, 2025
Reinstated from IR
The Cowboys reinstated Carson (knee) from injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Now that he's been activated from IR, Carson is in line to make his 2025 regular-season debut against the Commanders on Sunday. The 2024 fifth-rounder could play a large role in the Cowboys' secondary immediately, given that corner Trevon Diggs (concussion) has been ruled out and safety Juanyeh Thomas (migraine) is listed as questionable. Carson accumulated 27 tackles (24 solo) and four pass defenses across six regular-season games during his rookie campaign.
Oct 17, 2025
Officially questionable for Week 7
Carson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson has been a full participant in practice for two straight weeks, and the 2024 fifth-rounder has a chance to be reinstated from the Cowboys' injured reserve ahead of Sunday's NFC East clash. Carson opened the season on IR due to a knee injury that he sustained during training camp in late July. His return would be a welcome one for the Cowboys' secondary given that Dallas will be without Trevon Diggs (concussion).
Oct 15, 2025
Logs another full practice
Carson (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was a full participant in practice leading up to the Cowboys' Week 6 road clash against the Panthers, but the 2024 fifth-rounder was ultimately not cleared to be reinstated from injured reserve. However, Carson would stand a good chance to make his 2025 regular-season debut against the Commanders on Sunday with a slate of full practices this week. He is in the final stages of his recovery from a knee injury that he sustained during training camp in late July.
Oct 11, 2025
Remaining on IR
Carson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Carson was a full participant in practice all week, but the 2024 fifth-rounder has not been cleared to make his return from a knee injury that he suffered during training camp in late July. Though he won't play Sunday, Carson is on track to make his 2025 regular-season debut in Week 7 against the Commanders on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Oct 10, 2025
Questionable for Week 6
Carson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus Carolina, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson remains on injured reserve but practiced in full all week. The Cowboys will have until Saturday afternoon to activate Carson or he'll need to wait another week before making his 2025 debut.
Oct 8, 2025
Making progress with knee injury
Carson (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson opened the season on injured reserve after hyperextending his knee in late July during training camp. His 21-day practice window to be reinstated from IR opened Oct. 1, but he wasn't cleared to play against the Jets in Week 5 after being limited in practice all week. His ability to practice in full Wednesday is a step in the right direction for Carson, who could make his 2025 regular-season debut against the Panthers on Sunday if he continues to practice without limitations.
Oct 4, 2025
Won't return Sunday
Carson (knee) won't be activated from the injured reserve list in time for Sunday's matchup against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
The second-year corner from Wake Forest was designated to return from IR on Wednesday and practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week. However, he won't be able to make his 2025 debut in Week 5, as he's now been ruled out. While Carson remains sidelined Sunday, C.J. Goodwin and Trikweze Bridges will likely serve as the Cowboys' top reserve corners.
Oct 3, 2025
Questionable to make season debut
Carson (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson practiced in a limited capacity all week after the Cowboys designated him to return from their injured reserve list Wednesday, and it seems like he might have a reasonable chance to play in Week 5. If he's ready, he'll slot into a depth role in the cornerback rotation Sunday.
Oct 1, 2025
Limited in return to practice
Carson (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was designated for return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window. Carson hyperextended his knee back in July. As a fifth-round rookie last season, Carson appeared in six regular-season games, making five starts.
Oct 1, 2025
Practice window opens
Carson (knee) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.
ANALYSIS
The 23-year-old corner missed Dallas' first four games this season after hyperextending his knee in July, but it now appears his return is imminent. Carson now has 21 days to be added to the Cowboys' active roster before reverting to IR. Once fully healthy, he'll likely help a struggling Cowboys secondary that's allowing the most passing yards per game in the NFL (297.3) through four weeks.
Aug 27, 2025
Lands on IR
Carson (knee) was placed on injured reserve by the Cowboys on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Carson was diagnosed with a hyperextended knee in late July and was expected to be out 4-to-6 weeks. He'll have a lengthier recovery, as he'll now be sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the regular season.
Jul 29, 2025
Out with knee injury
Carson will be sidelined 4-6 weeks due to a hyperextended knee he suffered in practice Monday, DallasCowboys.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-year cornerback underwent shoulder surgery in December, but he seemed to be fully recovered from that procedure heading into training camp. Carson's injury deals another blow to a Cowboys secondary that was already thin due to potentially lengthy absences from Trevon Diggs (knee), Shavon Revel (knee) and Josh Butler (knee). Dallas signed Christian Matthew -- who has some familiarity with Matt Eberflus' defense after a brief stint with the Bears in 2023 -- on Monday to provide additional depth at corner.
Dec 15, 2024
Recovering from surgery
Carson underwent season-ending surgery on his shoulder prior to last week's 27-20 loss to the Bengals, Nick Harris of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson initially injured his shoulder Week 3, then missed four games before returning to action Week 9. He then appeared in three straight contests, only to go on injured reserve in late November while the shoulder injury continued to linger. After getting surgery, the 2024 fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest will close out his rookie campaign having tallied 27 tackles and four pass breakups over six games. He should be back to full health ahead of the 2025 season.
Nov 27, 2024
Placed on IR with shoulder injury
The Cowboys (shoulder) placed Carson on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Carson appeared to be a healthy scratch for Week 12 against the Commanders after not being listed on the Cowboys' injury report. However, the rookie fifth-round pick appears to be working through a lingering shoulder injury that caused him to be sidelined from Week 4 to 8, and the issue is serious enough to warrant another multi-week absence. Carson will be forced to miss at least the next four regular-season games, and the earliest he can return from injured reserve will be Week 17 against the Eagles on Sunday, Dec. 29. Carson's absence means more opportunities for backup snaps at outside corner for C.J. Goodwin and Josh Butler behind starters DaRon Bland (foot) and Trevon Diggs (groin/knee)
Nov 24, 2024
Healthy scratch for Week 12
Carson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's contest versus the Commanders, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson has started five games for Dallas this season, but he worked only on special teams last week against Houston and won't take the field at all in Week 12. His reduced role comes as DaRon Bland is set to make his season debut Sunday against Washington after missing the Cowboys' first 10 games while working his way back from a foot injury. It's still a bit surprising to see Carson as a healthy inactive, though, given that fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs is out for the matchup due to a groin issue.
Nov 15, 2024
Full go for Friday
Carson (shoulder/illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson opened the Cowboys' week of practice with a DNP due to a shoulder injury and an illness. However, it appears he's already moved past both issues ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Texans. Expect the rookie corner from Wake Forest to play behind both Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland (foot) in Week 11.
Nov 14, 2024
Working through shoulder issue
Carson (shoulder/illness) did not practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
After missing four regular-season games due to a shoulder injury, Carson has played in the Cowboys' last two games and has logged 12 tackles (10 solo) and two pass defenses over that span. However, his lingering shoulder issue and an illness caused him to sit out of Thursday's practice. Carson's practice participation over the next two days will indicate whether he'll play Monday against the Texans.
Nov 5, 2024
Seven tackles in return
Carson registered seven tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Carson missed the Cowboys' last four regular season games due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 3 against the Ravens. He returned Sunday and tied with DeMarvion Overshown for third-most tackles on the Cowboys behind Eric Kendricks (nine) and Donovan Wilson (eight). Carson could start in Week 10 against the Eagles if DaRon Bland (foot) is unable to play.
Oct 30, 2024
Practices in full Wednesday
Carson (shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson has been unable to play since Week 3 due to a shoulder injury, even though he was a full practice participant in the leadup to Week 6 and 8. Even if he's listed as a full participant in each of the next two days, that doesn't appear to guarantee that he'll be able to return against Atlanta on Sunday.
Oct 27, 2024
Ruled out for Week 8
Carson (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Carson was able to log three full practices in a row to end the week, but he'll still be forced to miss Week 8 with the shoulder injury that has sidelined him since late September. In his absence, C.J. Goodwin will likely operate in an expanded role again versus San Francisco.
Oct 25, 2024
Draws questionable tag
Carson (shoulder) was a full participant during Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson has been able to log three consecutive full practices this week, and although he's tagged as questionable, the rookie fifth-round pick is leaning towards the probable side of playing Sunday. He missed the Cowboys' last three regular-season games due to a shoulder injury, but assuming he plays Sunday, he should reclaim his starting corner job alongside Trevon Diggs.
Oct 23, 2024
Past shoulder injury
Carson (shoulder) was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday's injury report.
ANALYSIS
Carson missed the Cowboys' three games before the Week 7 bye due to a shoulder injury. He was able to practice without restriction Wednesday, though it should be noted he was a full practice participant in all three sessions leading up to the Cowboys' Week 6 game against the Lions but still didn't play in that contest. Still, the extra rest should be enough for Carson to suit up against the 49ers on Sunday, barring any setbacks.
Oct 13, 2024
Another absence Sunday
Carson (shoulder) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Carson practiced fully during the entirety of Week 6 prep but received a questionable designation on the Cowboys' final injury report Friday. With the decision to keep him in street clothes Sunday, he'll miss his third game in a row due to a shoulder issue. With a Week 7 bye on tap, Carson will turn his focus to the team's next game Sunday, Oct. 27 at San Francisco.
Oct 9, 2024
Practices in full Wednesday
Carson (shoulder) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson has missed the last two games due to a shoulder injury, but the rookie fifth-round pick appears past the issue. Barring any setbacks, he should make his return Sunday against the Lions and reclaim his starting spot at corner opposite Trevon Diggs. Carson has registered 15 tackles (14 solo) and two passes defended across three regular-season games.
Oct 7, 2024
Inching closer
Head coach Mike McCarty stated Monday that Carson (shoulder) is getting closer to returning, Joe Hoyt of AllDLLS.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson hasn't played since Week 3, but he did log a trio of limited practices last week. His potential return Week 6 against the Lions would be good news for a Cowboys defense that is dealing with multiple injuries to its front seven.
Oct 6, 2024
Won't suit up vs. Steelers
Carson (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Carson was listed as questionable heading into Week 5, but the rookie fifth-round pick will miss a second straight game due to a shoulder injury. Amani Oruwariye and Andrew Booth will see an uptick in snaps at corner Sunday opposite starter Trevon Diggs.
Oct 4, 2024
Iffy for Week 5
Carson (shoulder) is questionable to face Pittsburgh on Sunday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson sat out Week 4 versus the Giants and logged a trio of limited practices during Week 5 prep, putting his status up in the air for Sunday. Trevon Diggs is also questionable for that contest, so Dallas' secondary could be without two starters. If that's the case, Andrew Booth and C.J. Goodwin could be asked to step up.
Oct 2, 2024
Opens week with limited work
Carson (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was inactive for the Cowboys' Week 4 win over the Giants due to a shoulder injury, but he upgraded to limited participation Wednesday and appears to be trending in the right direction. The rookie corner's participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide a better indication of his potential availability in Week 5, as the Cowboys travel to Pittsburgh.
Sep 26, 2024
Inactive for Week 4
Carson (shoulder) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Giants, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson sustained a shoulder injury during the Cowboys' Week 3 loss to the Ravens. He was held out of practice all week and will not play in Thursday's NFC East showdown. Jourdan Lewis could move into the starting corner role opposite Trevon Diggs while Carson is sidelined, which opens the door for more reps for C.J. Goodwin and Andrew Booth.
Sep 25, 2024
Likely missing Week 4
Carson (shoulder) is listed as doubtful ahead of Thursday night's game against the Giants, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.
ANALYSIS
Carson was held out of practice all week after seemingly sustaining a shoulder injury during the Cowboys' Week 3 loss to the Ravens. The rookie cornerback has been an important part of Dallas' secondary thus far, but if he's unable to suit up in Week 4 as expected, C.J. Goodwin projects to see more work with the Cowboys' first-team defense.
Sep 23, 2024
DNP on Monday's estimation
Carson (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimation, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Monday that the team will "know more tomorrow" in regards to Carson's shoulder injury after Monday's estimated DNP, per Harris. The 2024 fifth-round pick has been a vital part of the Cowboys' secondary through three games, recording 15 total tackles and two passes defended over 144 defensive snaps. If he's unable to suit up Thursday night, expect C.J. Goodwin to see increased work with Dallas' first-team defense.
Aug 6, 2024
Strong showing in camp
Carson could be the top backup at cornerback for the Cowboys this season, Nick Harris of the team's website reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2024 fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest would likely have been a Day 2 selection if not for injury concerns, but he's been healthy in training camp and flashing an all-around skill set. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are set as the starting boundary corners and Jourdan Lewis is locked in as the top option in the slot, but Carson's versatility could make him the next man up at all three spots as well as working into nickel and dime packages -- a role that could put him on the field a lot more often than expected given that Diggs is coming back from an ACL tear, and Lewis played in only six games in 2022 due to foot surgery.