Brian Schottenheimer ‘Hopeful’ George Pickens, Joey Porter Jr. Play For Dallas Cowboys Against Indianapolis Colts

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. are questionable for Sunday’s game at the Indianapolis Colts. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Friday morning that he is hopeful both will play.

Schottenheimer made the comments on 105.3 The Fan’s Shan & RJ before Friday’s practice. Pickens (hamstring) was limited all three days. Porter hurt his ankle late in Sunday’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals, then practiced fully Wednesday before being limited Thursday and Friday.

Both players were in the same spot a week ago, according to Schottenheimer. Pickens was questionable for the Arizona game with shoulder and hamstring injuries.

“With Joey and GP, it’s the same thing, kind of as last week,” Schottenheimer said. “They’ll be a little bit limited, but we’re hopeful that they’re able to play. Hopeful for GP as well.”

Pickens was targeted four times against Arizona. After the game, Dak Prescott said he goes through his reads and throws to the open receiver, and that he needed the film to know whether he missed Pickens.

“If I had the answer, we’d get him involved,” Prescott said Sunday. “I’m not trying to be rude or whatever it is, but he made some plays any time the ball went his way. He came up with them. Right, he had the one, unfortunately, came back for a holding. There’s another one. I just tried to give him a chance.”

“I still got to go back and watch the film,” Prescott continued. “Not sure about even how many targets he had. As I tell you all before, I go through the reads, try to throw it to the open guy and stay consistent and true to that.”

Pickens finished with 2 catches for 48 yards. Through eight games, he has 533 receiving yards, 14th in the NFL.

Caleb Downs Practices Fully Before Colts Trip

Defensive back Caleb Downs, the No. 11 overall pick in April, and safety P.J. Locke III entered the concussion protocol after the Arizona game. Neither practiced Wednesday. Both were limited Thursday.

“Caleb and PJ both have to, they’re progressing well,” Schottenheimer explained. “They both have to practice today, and that’s the last thing that they have to do. D-Mo, we need to get him out there today, see how he does. D-Winters had a great day yesterday. I think we hope to get Ferg back on the field some today.”

Downs and Locke both practiced fully Friday and carry no game designation. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring/back) was limited Thursday and Friday and is questionable. Linebacker Dee Winters (calf) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and has no designation. Tight end Jake Ferguson (ankle) was limited Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday and is questionable.

Schottenheimer Explains Roster Math For Limited Players

A player who might be limited is part of a puzzle, Schottenheimer said, and the Cowboys can protect themselves by carrying extra depth at certain spots.

“It’s game plan specific in terms of, ‘OK, what’s the roster numbers look like?’ There’s a puzzle that you try to fit together, right?” Schottenheimer said. “Like if you’ve got a guy that at any position that might be a little bit limited, he’s a really good player. He feels good going into the game, but you’re not sure. We’ll see a lot today. Today’s a big day for us, Friday.”

“Because you want to see these guys move around, see how they feel, but there’s ways of protecting yourself by carrying an extra safety and extra offensive linemen, based off the roster,” Schottenheimer continued. “And so that’s kind of the way we look at it.”

Malachi Lawrence (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (ribs) are out. Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is set for noon CT on FOX.