The injury lists for Sunday’s Colts-Cowboys matchup have turned into a full-blown roster watch.
Indianapolis and Dallas both enter Week 9 trying to stop the slide, but neither side is anywhere close to full strength. By the time Friday rolled around, the report had ballooned to nine questionable players and four ruled out, with both teams juggling key absences and late-week uncertainty.
For the Colts, the biggest news is that linebacker Bryce Boettcher and wide receiver Anthony Gould are on track to return after missing the last couple of weeks. Boettcher is expected to slide back into the linebacker rotation, while Gould should reclaim his role as the punt returner.
Indianapolis also has some late drama on the back end. Safety A.J.
Haulcy was added to the report after hurting his ankle in Friday’s practice, and his status is now up in the air. If he can’t go, Hunter Wohler would start at strong safety.
Right tackle Jalen Travis is also listed as questionable with a thumb/hamstring issue, though he has been able to practice fully. If he’s unavailable, Luke Tenuta would likely step in at right tackle. If Travis had not been practicing, the Colts could have shifted right guard Matt Goncalves outside and plugged Dalton Tucker in at guard.
The Colts’ two players ruled out are linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and cornerback Justin Walley, both with knee injuries. That puts more on Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies, and Austin Ajiake at linebacker, with the team still not saying who will start at WILL in Davis-Gaither’s place.
Walley’s absence for a second straight week also means more responsibility for undrafted rookie Kapena Gushiken in the nickel. Indianapolis used an unusually high number of three-linebacker looks last week, but that setup is not expected to carry over this weekend.
There are also a few Colts who worked their way through the week. Keenan Allen, Jonathan Taylor, Charvarius Ward Sr., Grover Stewart, Drew Ogletree, Bryce Boettcher, Anthony Gould, and Jalen Travis all showed up as full participants at various points in the week, while A.J. Haulcy was the lone late addition to the questionable group.
Dallas has its own long list to manage, and the most important name on it is tight end Jake Ferguson. He’s questionable with an ankle injury, and if he can’t play, the Cowboys lose a dependable target for quarterback Dak Prescott in important spots. Brevyn Spann-Ford is next up on the depth chart.
The Cowboys’ questionable group also includes George Pickens, Luke Schoonmaker, Tyler Smith, Joey Porter Jr., DeMarvion Overshown, Jonathan Bullard, and Marist Liufau. Pickens is dealing with a hamstring injury, Schoonmaker with a groin issue, Smith with an ankle injury, Porter with an ankle injury, Overshown with hamstring and back concerns, Bullard with a calf issue, and Liufau with a forearm injury.
Dallas has already ruled out Malachi Lawrence and Kavontae Turpin. Lawrence is dealing with an ankle injury, while Turpin is out with ribs.
The Cowboys’ week started with several players not participating on Wednesday, including Caleb Downs, Ferguson, Broderick Jones, Malachi Lawrence, P.J. Locke, Von Miller, and Turpin. By Thursday, Ferguson, Lawrence, and Turpin were still out of practice, while Downs, Locke, Overshown, Pickens, Porter, Schoonmaker, and Smith were limited.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
In Other News...
Colts Suddenly Have A Daniel Jones Decision Fans Cant Ignore
Daniel Jones has become a name to watch in Indianapolis as the NFL trade deadline approaches, with multiple reports indicating the Colts have fielded inquiries about the quarterback and are at least open to hearing what might be out there. It is a notable turn for a player whose fit and production have already been under scrutiny, and the situation now adds another layer of uncertainty to a quarterback room that seemed headed for a quieter stretch.
Jones is also said to be interested in a change of scenery, which only sharpens the intrigue around what happens next. The Vikings have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, and the connection makes some sense given Joness familiarity with their offensive scheme, but the real question is whether the Colts decide the timing is right to move on before the deadline closes the door. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Offensive Uncertainty Could Change Everything For Colts Defense
The Cowboys added some extra depth on the eve of their Week 9 matchup with the Colts, elevating wide receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad. It is a clear sign Dallas is bracing for some uncertainty on offense, with injury questions hanging over the receiver and tight end groups as the game approaches.
For Indianapolis, the timing matters because the Colts defense has spent the week preparing for a Dallas attack that may not look exactly the way it usually does. The roster moves do not settle who will actually be available, but they do suggest the Cowboys want insurance in place, and that leaves the Colts waiting to see how much the matchup shifts once the final injury picture comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Fans Should Be Bracing For A Stunning Sauce Gardner Twist
The Colts are heading toward the trade deadline with the kind of uncertainty that usually signals a bigger reset is coming. After a disappointing start, Indianapolis is reportedly preparing to make several moves, and cornerback Sauce Gardner is at the center of the conversation despite the fact that he was brought in as a major long-term piece and signed to a record deal just last year.
Gardners name alone would have made this a surprise, but the contract situation makes it even more complicated for the Colts. Any team interested in dealing for him would have to absorb a massive commitment, which is why this is not the kind of move that happens easily even when a front office is willing to listen. Still, with the deadline approaching and Indianapolis looking at its options, this is one storyline Colts fans will want to watch closely. [Read more 🡒]