Durant (groin) seems close to returning to practice, the Dallas Morning News reports. He was initially thought to be out for three to four weeks after injuring his groin in the opener, but it's starting to look like he might only miss two games.

Durant is expected to miss the next three or four weeks with a groin injury, The Dallas Morning News reports. Durant was sidelined for six games last season due to groin and hamstring problems, so Sunday's latest groin issue is certainly frustrating for the veteran linebacker. Furthermore, the Cowboys' already depleted defense will now be without their newest signal-caller, which comes after Sean Lee (knee) was ruled out in May. Despite exiting in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 1 loss, Durant still tied for Dallas' team lead in tackles. To replace the versatile Durant, the Cowboys could choose to switch Bruce Carter back to their weakside position and promote Kyle Wilber to start on the strongside, with Rolando McClain continuing in the middle of their 4-3 scheme.

Durant left Sunday's game against the 49ers with a groin injury, ESPN.com reports. Durant lost six games to groin and hamstring injuries last season, which may add to the Cowboys' concern about this more recent issue. As the starter at weak-side linebacker, Durant managed a team-high eight tackles (seven solo) and one pass defense before leaving in the fourth quarter. Health permitting, he has a shot to be the Cowboys' leading tackler this season, though starting inside lineabcker Rolando McClain might have something to say about that.

Durant will get the start at weak-side linebacker on Sunday, the Dallas Morning News reports. He'll also serve as the captain of the defense and call out adjustments. This is a good spot for Durant, as he'll be protected by Henry Melton in the formation and should be free to make plays, but he's not an elite athlete so temper your expectations. If he stays at the Will position all season though, Durant should be able to return to the 100-tackle level.

Durant lined up at strong-side linebacker during Thursday's practice, the Dallas Morning News reports. The Cowboys got a long look at Durant in the middle earlier in camp, but now seem focused on giving Rolando McClain and rookie Anthony Hitchens auditions at MLB. Durant seems likely to be among the starters when Week 1 rolls around, but at this point his exact spot is still up in the air.

According to ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys are "unsure" about MLB Justin Durant's coverage ability. This may be a nice way of saying they think Durant can't cover, though he did rate positively in Pro Football Focus' 2013 pass-coverage grades. Still, Dallas' Mike 'backer job is open to competition, and it's possible Durant will wind up as a two-down player. His IDP sleeper appeal hangs in the balance.

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer says Justin Durant will "likely be the first-team middle linebacker" when Cowboys' camp opens. The Cowboys took a flier on former first-round pick Rolando McClain, but Archer believes it is a long-shot McClain is ready to go early in camp. Even though he is the de facto starter, Durant is not completely comfortable in the middle. When asked if the Mike linebacker spot was his strongest, Durant said, "Probably not, just because I'm not as familiar with middle as outside."

ESPN Dallas expects Justin Durant to be the Week 1 starter at middle linebacker. Durant was viewed as a possible cap casualty prior to Sean Lee (knee) going down, but is now getting first-team reps over DeVonte Hollman and rookie Anthony Hitchens. He's the early favorite to start at the MIKE spot. Durant is owed $1.25 million in 2014, so his roster spot won't be guaranteed. He hasn't played a full season since 2012 and turns 29 in September.

The Cowboys are giving Justin Durant first-team reps at middle linebacker during OTAs. Dallas has little idea what it's going to do to replace Sean Lee (ACL tear), and is mixing and matching before training camp. Durant was tentatively expected to be released earlier this offseason, but he's needed now. He'll battle DeVonte Hollman and rookie Anthony Hitchens for starting Mike linebacker reps.

ESPN Dallas expects the Cowboys to release LB Justin Durant this offseason. The move would save Dallas $1.25 million in cap room. Durant appeared in 10 games (six starts) this season, finishing with just 24 tackles. He also struggled with a hamstring issue and was placed on injured reserve in Week 15. The Cowboys are expected to go with converted DE Kyle Wilber as an in-house replacement for Durant.