Dallas Cowboys have just suffered a a painful 33-30 loss against Arizona Cardinals blowing up a 14 points lead in the fourth quarter. The loss made them sit at 3-5.
Jerry Jones had to address specifically that he is not considering to change the head coach. Now head coach Brian Schottenheimer delivers more bad news from the Cowboys announcing multiple injuries.
Brian Schottenheimer delivers multiple injury updates
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed multiple injuries that will force reserves into starting roles. “Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said rookie OLB Malachi Lawrence could be out a few weeks with an ankle injury,” The Athletic’s Jon Machota wrote on X. “TE Jake Ferguson has a chance to play Sunday despite his ankle injury. Rookie DB Caleb Downs is in concussion protocol.”
Dallas Cowboys, Malachi Lawrence
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Linebacker Malachi Lawrence sustained an ankle injury that will keep him out for several weeks. “Malachi has [an injury] that might be a little bit longer.” Brian Schottenheimer said. “Looks like it could be a few weeks. So just keep doing some more testing, see how he moves around, but a little different than the other guys.” Linebackers Tyrus Wheat and Justin Barron will share backup snaps in his place.
Tight end Jake Ferguson is dealing with an ankle issue of his own. Backup Brevyn Spann-Ford will take over main blocking duties if Ferguson misses time. Luke Schoonmaker will step up to catch more passes in two-tight-end sets. The defensive secondary was hit hardest by the defeat. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. left the game with an ankle injury and needs further medical testing. Cornerback Cobie Durant will replace him on the outside, while rookie Shavon Revel Jr. will also see more playing time.
At safety, both Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke entered concussion protocol during the fourth quarter. Backup Ameer Speed will take over slot coverage duties for Downs. Reserves Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Alijah Clark will absorb extra snaps behind starter Malik Hooker until Locke and Downs clear medical testing.
The defensive secondary is severely depleted. Losing safeties Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke to concussion protocol plus Joey Porter Jr. to an ankle issue leaves massive coverage gaps for opposing offenses to exploit. Dak Prescott loses tight end Jake Ferguson, his most dependable security blanket on key downs.
Sitting at a disappointing 3–5 after their overtime loss to Cardinals, Cowboys has virtually no margin for error to save their season. Forcing backups into major starting roles now makes winning much harder.
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