The Dallas Cowboys have their answer on Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke, even if the rest of the injury picture remains unsettled. Both defensive backs cleared concussion protocol and finished Friday without game designations ahead of Sunday’s trip to Indianapolis.

That’s welcome certainty for a secondary that began the week with both players unable to practice. It doesn’t erase the questions elsewhere: George Pickens, Jake Ferguson and Joey Porter Jr. are among the Cowboys still listed as questionable.

Two Clearances Change The Defensive Picture

Downs, who was also dealing with an ankle injury, and Locke each progressed from no participation Wednesday to limited work Thursday and full participation Friday. Their final status is a meaningful improvement from the early-week uncertainty around Dallas’ injured defenders.

For Dallas, the practical benefit is having two fewer positions to plan around as potential absences. Medical clearance doesn’t promise a particular snap count, starting assignment or performance, but it allows preparation to move beyond whether either player can get through the protocol.

Porter remains a separate concern. The cornerback’s ankle limited him Thursday and Friday after he practiced fully Wednesday. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also carries a questionable designation after limited work with hamstring and back issues.

Offensive Availability Still Needs Sorting

Pickens was limited throughout the practice week. The official injury table lists a hamstring issue, so his questionable status should be treated as unresolved rather than a signal that Dallas has ruled him out.

The tight end situation bears watching, too. Ferguson returned to limited participation Friday after missing the first two practices with an ankle injury. Luke Schoonmaker, dealing with a groin injury, remained limited all three days and is questionable as well.

Those designations leave several versions of the offense possible. Dallas will need alternatives ready without assuming every questionable player will miss the game.

Two absences are confirmed: receiver KaVontae Turpin is out with a rib injury, and outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence is out with an ankle injury.

For now, Friday’s report provides a split verdict. The Cowboys regained clarity on Downs and Locke while leaving important decisions at receiver, tight end, cornerback and linebacker for the weekend.

Archival photo: Juanyeh Thomas with Cowboys teammates against the Giants, September 14, 2025. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.