Jayron

Kearse

Kearse, who sprained his MCL in Week 1, has played on a bad knee most of the season. The veteran safety said he expects to be active after the Cowboys limited him in practice this week. Kearse had three tackles and an interception in Dallas’ Wild Card Round win over the Bucs.

Kearse suffered a sprained MCL in Week 1 against the Buccaneers and was expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks. After being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Kearse being a full participant on Thursday could signal a return in Week 4 against the Commanders.

Kearse was injured while tackling Leonard Fournette in the third quarter of Week 1. He does not have a specific timeline as of yet, but ESPN’s Todd Archer notes that this is typically a 2-4 week injury. Kearse struggled before exiting and was replaced by Donovan Wilson who was a capable fill-in. The Cowboys should be able to hold up on defense without Kearse for a few weeks.

After tackling Leonard Fournette in the third quarter, Kearse jogged off with a noticeable limp, but couldn’t make it to the sideline without help and did not return. He walked back to the locker room under his own power. Donovan Wilson replaced Kearse.

Kearse can tack on another million to his contract through incentives. He joined Dallas on a one-year deal last offseason after spending four years with the Vikings and another in Detroit. Until his 2020 campaign with the Lions, Kearse was primarily a special teams player. The Cowboys installed him as a full-time starter last season and he rewarded them with a breakout campaign. Kearse logged 10 pass defenses and two interceptions while starting 15 games. He also stepped up as a run-defender, totaling nine TFLs and 101 combined tackles. Kearse will return to a starting role in Dallas for the 2022 season.

Kearse, 27, played 503 defensive snaps (45%) -- the most of his career -- last season in Detroit but has mainly been viewed as a special teams contributor in previous stops. Dallas also signed SS Keanu Neal this week, but there’s word the team may view him more as a linebacker. 2020 starting S Xavier Woods remains a free agent.

Kearse started seven games for Detroit this year, totaling 59 tackles and two pass breakups across a career-high 503 defensive snaps. It’s still possible he lands with a playoff contender if only for the amount of reps he’s already received this year.

Kearse was arrested for a DUI last October, leading to his suspension. He made 62 appearances with the Vikings the past three seasons, most recently recording 28 tackles on a career-high 270 (25%) defensive snaps. He’ll be available to return in Week 4 at home against the Saints.

Kearse played 62 games with the Vikings from 2016-2019, regularly providing value as both a core special teamer and depth piece on defense along the way. He’s yet another new addition for the Lions, who have been on a spending spree all free agency with adding veteran talent.

Kearse wants out of Minnesota and the Vikings haven’t shown any interest in bringing him back. He should draw interest as a special teamer and third safety. 26-year-old Kearse played just 25 percent of defensive snaps in 2019.