Kearse (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Bengals, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Kearse will be sidelined for at least one game after being diagnosed with an MCL sprain. In his absence, expect Israel Mukuamu or Malik Hooker to step into a starting role next to Donovan Wilson.

Kearse sprained his MCL in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers, Todd Archer of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

A recovery timetable has yet to be established for Kearse, but Archer points out that MCL sprains generally take 2-4 weeks to recover from. Given that context and the fact Kearse was seen on crutches after the loss to Tampa Bay, he seems exceedingly unlikely to suit up in Week 2 against the Bengals.

Kearse (knee) was seen on crutches following Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers and will undergo an MRI on Monday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse walked to the locker room under his own power after sustaining a knee injury in the third quarter Sunday, but he required crutches to exit the stadium. His MRI on Monday should help provide a better idea of his diagnosis, but Donovan Wilson will likely see increased playing time if Kearse is forced to miss additional time.

Kearse is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers due to a left knee injury, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse sustained a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday's matchup and was able to walk to the locker room under his own power. It's not yet clear whether he'll be able to return down the stretch, but Donovan Wilson should see increased playing time in the Cowboys' secondary while Kearse is sidelined.

Kearse (neck) is active for Sunday's season opener against the Buccaneers, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse didn't practice Friday due to a neck injury and was questionable heading into Sunday's matchup, but he'll be available against Tampa Bay. The 2016 seventh-rounder will take on a starting role for the season opener.

Kearse (neck) is questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Buccaneers, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse didn't practice Friday due to a neck injury, putting his status for Sunday in question. The severity of the issue is unclear, but if he can't suit up, Israel Mukuamu, Donovan Wilson and Markquese Bell are candidates for increased roles next to Malik Hooker.

Kearse didn't practice Monday due to a back injury, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The extent and severity of the issue remains unclear, but it's certainly something to monitor ahead of Saturday's preseason contest against the Broncos. Kearse had a breakout campaign last year, totaling 101 tackles, 10 passes defensed, two interceptions and one fumble recovery over 16 games, and he helped transform Dallas' defense into one of the top units in the NFL. The 2016 seventh-round parlayed his strong first campaign with the Cowboys into a two-year, $10 million deal this offseason.

Kearse signed a two-year contract with the Cowboys on Monday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse put together one of his best seasons so far in the NFL in 2021, recording 101 tackles (67 solo), 210 passes defensed, two picks and one fumble recovery over 16 games with Dallas. He can earn up to $11 million through incentives built into his contract during the 2022 season, with a base salary of $10 million, per Watkins.

The Cowboys activated Kearse (hamstring/undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Kearse was ruled out for Saturday's Week 18 win over the Eagles due to a hamstring injury before landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list. While he'll now be able to rejoin the team, it's unclear whether his hamstring injury will impact his availability for Sunday's wild-card matchup against San Francisco.

Kearse (hamstring) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The safety did not travel with the team this weekend for its matchup with the Eagles on Saturday, and he will now enter league protocols surrounding COVID-19 and try to get ready for the Cowboys' playoff game next week. In Kearse's absence Saturday, Israel Mukuamu will draw the start in his place against the Eagles.