Several Dallas Cowboys defenders are dealing with injuries. Linebacker Dee Winters (calf), cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (ankle), safeties Caleb Downs (concussion and ankle), PJ Locke (concussion) and Jalen Thompson, and defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (ankle) are all listed with injuries. Lawrence is being evaluated for short-term injured reserve. It is unclear who will start at safety or nickel corner Sunday against Indianapolis.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team has plans in place regardless of who is available. He named Marist Liufau, James Houston, DeMarvion Overshown and Jaishawn Barham as possible replacements for Lawrence. He said the team is playing hard but not at the required level, and that the problem is execution rather than effort. He said he takes responsibility for that.
Schottenheimer said he was pleased with how the defense limited Arizona running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Jacoby Brissett, but said the defense must finish games. He acknowledged that issues dating back to Week 1, including defending running backs in the short passing game, still need work. He also said the defense is still being rebuilt, with many new players.