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FRISCO, Texas — By Monday, Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer had watched Ryan Flournoy’s 46-yard catch from Sunday’s win in Indianapolis many times. After the game, Schottenheimer said he had only heard about the play.
Down 23-20 with 1:37 left, Flournoy beat Indianapolis Colts cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner down the right side on the first snap of the final drive. Three plays later, Javonte Williams scored from 1 yard out for a 27-23 win.
The world does not talk enough about Flournoy, Schottenheimer said Sunday. A pass interference penalty on a throw to Flournoy at the Indianapolis 6 had set up the winning score.
“So it’s a scissors combination. They played press one-on-one to him. First play of the drive, so we call it P-and-10. And when he outside released, Dak saw the leverage, trusted Flo, which is the biggest thing that speaks to Flo and what Flo has done since he’s been here, and was like, felt great about taking the shot,” Schottenheimer said. “We call it a 1A, if you will. It’s a post one.”
“And I have seen the catch many times now, and incredible. Doesn’t surprise you. He’s the last one off the practice field every day, working on releases and ball skills and catches and things like that,” Schottenheimer continued. “So, awesome moment for him. He’s an incredible teammate and awesome player.”
Ryan Flournoy Steps In With George Pickens Out
Flournoy started with George Pickens inactive because of a hamstring injury. It was the first game Pickens has missed since Dallas traded for him in May 2025, and Schottenheimer said Monday that Pickens will try to work back this week.
Flournoy finished with 2 catches for 53 yards, including a 7-yard gain on third-and-6 in the first quarter. He has 32 catches for 395 yards this season.
Both of Flournoy’s career 100-yard games came last season. He caught 6 passes for 114 yards against the New York Jets on Oct. 5, 2025, and 9 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 4, 2025.
“It goes back to last year. Whether it’s Jets game, the Lions game, he’s shown that he’s very, very capable,” Schottenheimer said. “And the fact that Dak turns that ball loose to you tells you all you need to know.”
Dak Prescott said after the game that Flournoy’s catch was his read once the safety looked to the wide side and left a one-on-one outside. Prescott finished with 335 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Flournoy Signed Extension Days Before Season Opener
Dallas drafted Flournoy in the sixth round, 216th overall, in 2024. He played at Central Missouri and Iowa Western before finishing at Southeast Missouri State.
The Cowboys waived him at final cuts in 2025, and he spent two weeks on the practice squad before finishing that season with 40 catches for 475 yards and 4 touchdowns. Days before the 2026 opener, he signed an extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2027.
The Cowboys, now 4-5, host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 15, at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX.
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