ARLINGTON, Texas – Jeff Heath's thumb injury will hold him out of the Cowboys' Thanksgiving game against Philadelphia.
The Cowboys released their seven inactives about 90 minutes before kickoff – highlighted by Heath and Josh Brent. Heath broke his thumb tackling Giants running back Andre Williams on Sunday night, and he had surgery on it Wednesday morning.
Heath said Tuesday that he was hopeful he'd be able to play with a cast against the Eagles, but that won't be the case. Fellow second-year safety Jakar Hamilton, who has been inactive every week since returning from his four-game suspension, will be looked at to help fill Heath's absence.
The other five inactives are Dustin Vaughan, Tyler Patmon, Dekoda Watson, Tony Hills and Donald Hawkins.
This is Brent's second game on the inactive list since returning from his 10-game suspension to start the year. Fellow defensive tackle Terrell McClain, will be active against Philadelphia to help offset the loss of Jack Crawford to a season-ending thumb injury.
Rookie linebacker Keith Smith was called up to the 53-man roster on Wednesday to help replace Watson – who left the Giants game with a hamstring injury. Smith has bounced back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad several times this season, and Thursday will mark his fifth active game of the season.
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Micah Pellerin is once again active to help offset the loss of rookie corner Tyler Patmon, who is still recovering from the knee and ankle injuries he suffered against Jacksonville on Nov. 9.
