Cowboys Injury Watch After Week 8 Loss: Joey Porter, Jake Ferguson and Caleb Downs
Ferguson suffers ankle sprain
Ferguson injured his ankle in the first quarter, returned to the game, then exited again and did not come back. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the tight end sustained a low-ankle sprain.
The report did not specify how long Ferguson might be out. Luke Schoonmaker also missed Week 8, while James Mitchell filled in; rookie Michael Trigg could receive his first game action of 2026 if both tight ends are unavailable.
Porter manages ongoing ankle issue
Porter was in and out of the game with an ankle problem he said had bothered him since joining Dallas. “It’s very frustrating,” Porter said, describing how the injury affected his ability to move.
He allowed one catch on two targets for nine yards, according to Pro Football Focus, and played 36 snaps. The severity of his ankle issue was not reported.
Downs exits with concussion
Safety Caleb Downs suffered a concussion and left the game early. Porter also exited and re-entered during the contest, but the report does not give a separate update on Downs’ recovery or his Week 9 status.
The story says Porter will enter concussion protocol this coming week, despite earlier identifying his problem as an ankle issue. That leaves the account unclear about which player is expected to enter the protocol. If Porter cannot play, Cobie Durant could line up in the slot.
Key points
- Jake Ferguson suffered a reported low-ankle sprain and could miss time.
- Caleb Downs left the Week 8 game with a concussion.
- Joey Porter Jr. played 36 snaps while dealing with an ankle issue.
- The report also says Porter will enter concussion protocol, though it identifies Downs as the player with a concussion.