Cowboys Hopeful Porter, Pickens Play Colts

Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer says CB Joey Porter Jr. and WR George Pickens will be limited but he is optimistic both can suit up in Week 9.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Cowboys Hopeful Porter, Pickens Play Colts

The Dallas Cowboys, now 3-5, are working through injuries to cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver George Pickens ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said both players will be limited in practice but he is hopeful they can play.

Why it matters

Porter and Pickens are key contributors for a Cowboys team that dropped an overtime game to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8 and is searching for consistency. Both players are also set to hit free agency this offseason, adding uncertainty around their futures in Dallas.

The Cowboys sit at 3-5 while the New York Giants stand at 4-2-1. Porter has an ankle injury and Pickens has a hamstring injury, and the team's final injury report for Sunday has not yet been released.

The players

Brian Schottenheimer

Brian Schottenheimer is the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who provided the injury update on Porter and Pickens.

Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter Jr. is a Dallas Cowboys cornerback dealing with an ankle injury and set to become a free agent after the season.

George Pickens

George Pickens is a Dallas Cowboys wide receiver dealing with a hamstring injury, with trade rumors surrounding him this season and free agency approaching.

The details

Schottenheimer gave the injury update on 105.3 The Fan, and beat writer Tommy Yarrish shared the coach's comments on social media. The Cowboys will hold a final practice Friday before facing the Colts on Sunday.

Week 8: Cowboys lost to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime.
Friday: Cowboys hold their final practice before the Week 9 game.
Sunday: Cowboys host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.

Season Trajectory

The Cowboys enter Week 9 at 3-5, trailing the 4-2-1 Giants in the NFC East race after an overtime loss to Arizona. Whether Porter and Pickens can return will shape how competitive Dallas can be over the coming weeks.

Fantasy managers with Pickens on their rosters should monitor the final injury report before Sunday's kickoff. Porter's status will also affect how Dallas uses its secondary against the Colts' passing offense.

The takeaway

Injury reports released before kickoff often change lineups, so checking the final designations on Sunday is the most reliable way to know who will play. Keeping an eye on both players' practice participation through the week gives the clearest signal.

What happens next

The Cowboys will release their final injury report before Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, which will clarify whether Porter and Pickens are available.