Darian

Thompson

Still only 29 years old, Thompson played as recently as 2021. A 2016 third-round pick of the Giants, he spent 2019-21 in Dallas, overlapping with coach Mike McCarthy.

A former third-round draft pick for the Giants, Thompson spent the past four seasons bouncing on and off the Cowboys’ active roster. He’s logged 28 starts in six NFL seasons. Thompson, 29, would probably be a rotational player in the Indianapolis secondary if he signs with the Colts.

The organization didn’t announce whether Thompson tested positive or was simply a close contact, but it’s far too late into the week for him to turn around for Sunday. Dallas will also be missing LB Leighton Vander Esch and S Xavier Woods against the Giants.

Dallas lost a large chunk of the defense, including CB Byron Jones, but they’ll keep their 45-tackle safety for two more seasons with this re-signing. As just alluded to, Thompson will have a lot more responsibility moving forward as a safety in addition to any special teams duties he serves. Thompson will be turning 27 within the first month of the 2020 NFL season.

Thompson was a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys are bringing him back for much less than the lowest tender. A former third-round pick by the Giants, Thompson was mostly limited to special teams last season, but he could carve out a role on defense with a good offseason.

The ex-Giant had been cooling his jets on the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Being week to week at this stage of the preseason means Thompson’s Week 1 status is uncertain. Nat Berhe is Thompson’s backup. A third-round pick out of Boise State, Thompson has been running with the starters all training camp.

Thompson’s injury is likely to keep him out for the remainder of preseason, but it is “not considered serious,” and is believed to be a contusion, or a bruise. Thompson will open the season starting across from SS Landon Collins.

While coach Ben McAdoo said Thompson could return to a “limited role” next week, it does not sound like he will be a full-go for the season opener. If the rookie is not ready, Nat Berhe would get the start opposite Landon Collins.

Thompson missed most of August with a shoulder injury but should be good to go for next week’s opener against the Cowboys. The third-round pick is expected to draw the start at free safety, though he’ll likely be on a snap count.