The Cowboys came out of Sunday's 33-30 overtime loss to Arizona with two safeties in the concussion protocol and a list of other injuries to manage before Sunday's game at Indianapolis.
Caleb Downs
Rookie Caleb Downs is in the concussion protocol, Brian Schottenheimer said Monday. He was hurt against Arizona, where he played 53 defensive snaps, made four tackles and stopped running back Jeremiyah Love at the goal line. He has to clear the league's five-step return process to play this week, and he did not practice Wednesday. He is also listed with an ankle injury that limited him in practice the week before.
Downs, the 11th overall pick in April, leads the Cowboys in tackles. Through eight games he has 65 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
There is an extra storyline if he plays: Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is his older brother.
Safety P.J. Locke also took a head injury Sunday, is in the protocol and did not practice Wednesday. Another safety, Jalen Thompson, is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and Schottenheimer said his 21-day practice window has not been opened yet.
Jake Ferguson
The tight end hurt his ankle in the first quarter Sunday and did not return. On Monday, Schottenheimer said "the tests came back clean," and the team hopes he can play against the Colts. Ferguson has 17 catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.
George Pickens
Pickens played Sunday after being listed as questionable with shoulder and hamstring injuries. He was limited in practice Wednesday with the hamstring. He has 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns.
Wednesday's practice report
- Did not practice: S Caleb Downs (concussion/ankle), S P.J. Locke (concussion)
- Limited: WR George Pickens (hamstring), TE Luke Schoonmaker (groin), G Tyler Smith (ankle), LB Dee Winters (calf)
- Full: CB Joey Porter Jr. (ankle)
Others to watch
- KaVontae Turpin (ribs): missed the Arizona game. The Cowboys hope to have the returner back this week.
- Dee Winters: the linebacker missed Sunday's game.
- Malachi Lawrence: the rookie outside linebacker has an ankle injury, and Schottenheimer said he "could miss multiple weeks."
Dallas (3-5) plays at Indianapolis on Sunday at noon Central on FOX.