IRVING, Texas -- Despite being on crutches Tuesday afternoon because of a calf strain, rookie defensive tackle Davon Coleman is hopeful he can play in the Dallas Cowboys' meeting Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Coleman said he injured himself in the weight room on Monday doing squats.

“It shouldn’t hold me out too long,” Coleman said.

Coleman, an undrafted free agent, started the opener against the San Francisco 49ers and played in a reserve role in the Week 2 win against the Tennessee Titans. He is second among Cowboys’ defensive linemen in tackles with four, trailing Nick Hayden by one.

The Cowboys released safety Jemea Thomas from the practice squad on Tuesday and re-signed fullback Nikita Whitlock, who was cut last week when the Cowboys added wide receiver Reggie Dunn.