The Dallas Cowboys have officially announced their inactive list for Sunday night’s Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Cowboys inactives vs Giants: Full week 1 list and fantasy impact
Per ESPN’s Todd Archer, five players will not suit up as Dallas opens its 2026 campaign in primetime. Cornerback Caelen Carson, running back Israel Abanikanda, outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat, offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, and rookie wide receiver Camden Brown are all inactive for the NFC East clash.
Carson (CB) remains sidelined with a hamstring issue that has limited him throughout the preseason. The third-year cornerback has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a shoulder problem that cost him 11 games in 2024 and a knee injury that placed him on injured reserve for the first six weeks of 2025.
Cowboys inactives: CB Caelen Carson, RB Israel Abanikanda, OLB Tyrus Wheat, OL Ajani Cornelius, WR Camden Brown
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 13, 2026 What's New
His absence thins out Dallas’s secondary depth against a Giants passing attack that will feature Malik Nabers, who is active after recovering from a midseason ACL tear.
Israel Abanikanda (RB) was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday following Malik Davis’s season-ending hip injury, but he will not dress for Week 1.
The Cowboys will instead rely on starter Javonte Williams, fullback Hunter Luepke, and backup Emari Demercado. Williams, who rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, remains the clear bell cow in Dallas’s backfield.
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Tyrus Wheat (OLB) returns to Dallas for his second stint with the team, but will begin the season as a healthy scratch. The 26-year-old signed a one-year deal this offseason and was expected to contribute as a depth pass rusher and special teams player.
His absence is less impactful given Dallas’s overhauled defense under new coordinator Christian Parker.
Ajani Cornelius (OL) was limited in practice this week with a knee issue. The second-year lineman, drafted in the sixth round in 2025, has primarily practiced at guard after playing tackle in college.
With Tyler Smith on injured reserve, Dallas needs all the offensive line depth it can get, making Cornelius’s absence noteworthy.
Camden Brown (WR) is the most surprising inactive. The undrafted rookie out of Georgia Southern electrified the preseason with six receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed grab against Seattle.
Brown earned his spot on the 53-man roster but will watch from the sideline in Week 1. The Cowboys enter Sunday night as 3-point favorites, looking to extend their perfect 8-0 record in Week 1 primetime games against the Giants. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
