The Cowboys may be heading into Week 9 with another headache on defense, and this one could hit the secondary hard.
Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke III are both still in concussion protocol, leaving their status up in the air for Sunday’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Dallas already has one of the league’s weakest defensive units, so any absence here would only make the task tougher.
Cowboys DBs Caleb Downs and PJ Locke III are still in concussion protocol. “They have to get through this practice to clear protocol, but I think we’re optimistic.”
That practice looms large for both players. They still need to clear the final hurdle before they can be available, and until that happens, nothing is settled.
The Cowboys are holding out hope that both defensive backs can get through the process in time, but there’s no guarantee either one will be ready. If they can’t go, Dallas will have to reshuffle its secondary against a Colts offense that will be looking to exploit any weak spots.
That’s the last thing this defense needs. The Cowboys have struggled badly on that side of the ball this season, and losing one player in the back end would be a problem. Losing both would be a much bigger one.
Communication, coverage responsibilities and depth could all become issues if Dallas has to lean on other defensive backs. And with Indianapolis coming up, the timing couldn’t be worse.
There is still optimism around both Downs and Locke, but their availability won’t be clear until they get through the protocol. For now, the Cowboys are waiting and hoping their defense doesn’t take another hit.
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