IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys are looking at two games or more without cornerback Morris Claiborne because of a hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, a source told ESPN.com.

Claiborne was hurt in the third quarter Sunday, which moved rookie B.W. Webb into the slot and kept Orlando Scandrick outside. Claiborne was slowed earlier in the season with a shoulder injury that has required him to wear a protective harness, but he did not miss a game.

Morris Claiborne (24) has been battling injuries since the preseason. AP Photo/James D. Smith

Scandrick continued to start when the Cowboys used their base defense.

With Claiborne unlikely to play this week against the Minnesota Vikings, the Cowboys need cornerback help with only three on the 53-man roster: Brandon Carr, Scandrick and Webb. Micah Pellerin is on the practice squad.

A hamstring injury suffered by safety Barry Church is not considered to be as severe, and the hope is that he could play against the Vikings. With Church out and Danny McCray slowed by a toe injury and J.J. Wilcox missing the game with a knee injury, the Cowboys had undrafted safeties Jeff Heath and Jakar Hamilton on the field at the end of the game. McCray should be available Sunday.

Right guard Brian Waters suffered triceps, rib and knee injuries in the Lions' loss, and the team is awaiting test results on the veteran.

Running back DeMarco Murray has been cleared to return, but the coaches decided to hold him out after not seeing enough in practice leading into the game. Murray, who has missed the past two games because of a sprained medial collateral ligament, took part in three limited practices last week.

Defensive end DeMarcus Ware (quadriceps) and wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) are in wait-and-see mode. Ware has missed the past two games with a strain but has said his right leg feels stronger. Austin did not play Sunday after playing in the previous two games and going without a catch in either contest.