OXNARD, Calif. – The Cowboys' linebacker depth got a little thinner to start training camp with Damien Wilson (eye) set to be placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list, executive vice president Stephen Jones said.
Wilson, a fourth-round pick a year ago, got hit in the eye with a paintball several days ago.
"Damien had a really good spring for us, so it's disappointing," head coach Jason Garrett said. "But he should be back here pretty soon."
Wilson can be activated from the NFI list at any time during camp once he's ready to practice.
The Cowboys also confirmed linebacker Rolando McClain, the team's starting middle linebacker the past two years, has been placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. McClain did not travel with the team to Oxnard on Thursday. He's facing a 10-game NFL suspension but is eligible to practice and play in preseason.
Rookie linebacker Jaylon Smith, the team's second-round pick, will be placed on NFI as he continues to recover from the knee injury he suffered in his final college game at Notre Dame.
Once healthy, Wilson could help the linebacker rotation at multiple spots, including middle linebacker. Two weeks ago the Cowboys signed veteran Justin Durant to a one-year deal for depth.
-Rob Phillips
