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Thompson sustained the hamstring injury with 7:40 remaining in the first half while attempting to defend a run by Ravens back Derrick Henry. He was forced to leave the field immediately and did not return. Following the team's arrival back in Dallas on Monday, the defensive back was scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the damage, though the initial prognosis from the front office suggests a prolonged recovery period.
Mounting Injury Concerns in the Secondary
The loss of Thompson is the latest blow to a Cowboys safety unit that has struggled to maintain depth. Thompson, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract in March—the largest free-agent deal awarded by the franchise in over a decade—had been a key contributor, entering Sunday's contest as the team's second-leading tackler.
Stephen Jones acknowledged the severity of the situation during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, noting that the organization is currently stretched thin. The team has now lost a safety for multiple weeks in each of their first three games. P.J. Locke was recently placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn plantar fascia, meaning he is ineligible to return until the October 26 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, Malik Hooker has been unavailable since the season opener against the New York Giants, where he sustained a broken forearm that required surgery.
Looking Ahead to Roster Adjustments
While there is a possibility that Hooker could return for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans, the Cowboys are currently forced to rely on a thin rotation. If Hooker remains sidelined, the active roster at the position will be limited to Caleb Downs, Markquese Bell, and Alijah Clark. The depth was further tested on Sunday when Bell was forced to miss time during the game due to dehydration.
In light of these developments, Jones indicated that the front office is actively evaluating ways to bolster the secondary. With both Locke and Thompson facing extended absences, the team is exploring options to shore up the position to ensure they can remain competitive in the coming weeks.
