‘Next Man Up’: Jake Ferguson, P.J. Locke Hurt In Dallas Cowboys’ Win As Brian Schottenheimer Hopes To Get George Pickens, Joey Porter Jr. Back

INDIANAPOLIS — Tight end Jake Ferguson had a stinger and a knee injury, and safety P.J. Locke had another concussion in the Dallas Cowboys’ 27-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer gave the updates after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Ferguson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-2 in the second quarter and was hurt on an 11-yard catch late in the third. He did not return after entering the game questionable with an ankle injury that kept him out of most of the Arizona game. Locke was hurt on a running play with 2:10 left, and he started last week in the concussion protocol, Field Level Media reported.

Schottenheimer said he hopes to get Dallas’ inactive players back this week. Linebacker Dee Winters and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku also left Sunday’s game and returned, according to the official play-by-play.

“We had a lot of guys. I’ll just give you guys an update on the injuries, because it leads in. Goody battled through a knee. Should be okay,” Schottenheimer said. “[Ezeiruaku], who had an ankle. Winters, evaluation for concussion, he was fine. Fergie had a stinger, and then he had a knee. Mingo, [on] the third down early on, he got an ankle. Tried to play through, and then P.J. unfortunately had another concussion, so got him covered in prayers.”

Receiver Jonathan Mingo made a 23-yard catch on third-and-3 on the opening drive and returned 2 punts for 22 yards. Running back Tyler Goodson left in the first half and came back to run 5 more times for 33 yards, finishing with 77 yards on 12 carries.

George Pickens, Joey Porter Jr. Miss Indianapolis Colts Game

Receiver George Pickens (hamstring), cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (ankle), and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (back, hamstring) were inactive after being listed as questionable Friday. It was the first game Pickens has missed since the Pittsburgh Steelers traded him to Dallas in May 2025.

On Friday, Schottenheimer said he was hopeful that Pickens and Porter would play. After the game, he said he was proud of the players who stepped into their places.

“I told you guys Friday would be a big day, right? And Friday they did some stuff, and then Saturday a little bit sore. We weren’t sure, but again, at the end of the day, just they weren’t able to go, and that’s what this business is about. Next man up,” Schottenheimer explained. “But I told you guys Friday would be a big day, and it was. And really proud of the guys that stepped in their place. But hopefully we’ll get them back this week.”

Dallas acquired Porter from Pittsburgh on Sept. 30 and he has dealt with the ankle injury since his debut Oct. 4 at Houston. Schottenheimer said Porter’s injury involves the foot and ankle, with some of it in the heel, and Cobie Durant started in his place opposite DaRon Bland.

“Dealing with the foot, and when you’re a corner, sometimes foots can be tricky. But I thought he had a solid practice Friday, but on Saturday he was pretty sore, so we weren’t sure,” Schottenheimer said. “And again, next man up, Cobie Durant I thought did some great things tonight. DaRon Bland I thought did some really good things. So again, that’s why you have these rosters and you’re ready to make your moves.”

Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (ribs) and tight end Luke Schoonmaker (groin) were also inactive. Dallas placed rookie outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence on injured reserve Saturday with an ankle injury.

Dak Prescott, Tyler Goodson On Playing Through Injuries

Dak Prescott said Ferguson has stayed consistent through the noise and the ups and downs. Ferguson’s touchdown finished a 15-play, 65-yard drive that took 7:05.

“It was a huge play being fourth down, being ready. Had to go make a big-time catch, but not surprised,” Prescott said. “He’s not a guy that gets moved … through the noise and the ups and the downs and being consistent. He’s got a lot going on in his life right now. And I’m just proud of the way that he shows up each and every day with the spirit that he does, with the mindset that he does, and the teammate that he is to get better and to do whatever it takes.”

“And so just getting the opportunity to throw him that rock right there on fourth down, and him go make that big-time catch, I know [it means] a lot for him,” Prescott continued. “And now he’s just got to get healthy, and we can keep rolling.”

Goodson said Dallas has a lot of injuries going on right now and that everyone depends on each other. He was signed off the Atlanta practice squad in September after Malik Davis’ season-ending hip injury.

“You just kind of shake it off and pretend it didn’t even happen at that point. We got guys that we all depend on each other, and I want to do my part and help this team win,” Goodson said. “So I’m gonna do everything I can to get out there on the field. If it’s just a little pain, I’m gonna go. But if it’s somewhere I just can’t go, then I won’t go. But just a little pain or injury where I can put pressure on it, I’m going.”

Dallas, now 4-5, opens a three-game homestand against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 3:25 p.m. CT. The Tennessee Titans visit Nov. 22, and the Philadelphia Eagles come to AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving.