FRISCO — Don’t get him wrong: Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson is excited for the potential to start on Sunday in the season finale against the New York Giants. He’s only played in 13 games through two NFL seasons. He hasn’t played since Dec. 14.
All signs indicate that Carson, as well as rookie corner Trikweze Bridges, could start the season finale with Trevon Diggs in Green Bay, DaRon Bland out for the season, and corner Shavon Revel Jr. out and still in the concussion protocol after last Thursday’s win in Washington.
“My approach has always been the same,” Carson said. “I just really keep my head down and work. You never know what could happen.”
Carson’s increased excitement was evident, however, when talking about the part that comes after Sunday’s game. New things can spark that type of feeling.
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Carson pointed out this week that it’s been a while since he’s had a full healthy offseason. Last year, Carson spent the first part of his offseason recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery. It took a while before he could run. Once he could, he was quickly sidelined again. He suffered a hyperextended knee in late July. He ultimately didn’t return to practice until his 21-day window was opened on Oct. 1.
This actually marked the second season in a row where Carson’s offseason has been compromised by injury. He said that he dealt with a foot injury after his final season at Wake Forest. The offseason before the start of a rookie season can always be different, considering that players are mostly training for the combine and those events, rather than for actually playing football. A foot injury, in Carson’s mind, affected that even more.
“I’m actually looking forward to the offseason: to get my body right, to get healthy,” he said. “I think it did take a toll on me coming back this year without any offseason work, really. Couldn’t do any [defensive back] drills, couldn’t do certain stuff. And then I missed the whole OTAs.”
For a young player, finding success in the NFL is also learning how to work away from the team facility. Carson hasn’t had the chance, but he does have inspiration. He said he’s learned from quarterback Dak Prescott when it comes to staying healthy and on a committed regiment.
“He was attacking every day,” Carson said, “like I’ve seen nobody attacking [physical therapy], the weight room, and stuff like that.”
Carson also specifically learned from former Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis where to train and how to train. Carson said he plans to consult with Lewis again this offseason. He’s already excited to do so with the hopes of what it could do for his third season in the NFL.
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