Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Caleb Downs and PJ Locke enter concussion protocol

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs and safety P.J. Locke have both entered the NFL concussion protocol, head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced. ProFootballTalk, NBC Sports, and Yahoo NFL all reported the injury designations following the Cowboys' 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Arlington, Texas. [1][2][3][6]

Downs, a first-round rookie defensive back, played 509 defensive snaps and 45 special teams snaps prior to the injury, according to ProFootballTalk. He has logged 52 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed, and two forced fumbles during the season. CBS NFL reported that the Cowboys lost the game after blowing two separate 14-point leads against Arizona. [2][3]

Locke recently returned from injured reserve on October 23 after missing five games with a foot injury, ProFootballTalk reported. The American football safety joined Dallas after spending six seasons with the Denver Broncos. ProFootballTalk and Yahoo Sports Top also reported that outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence sustained an ankle injury during the game. [2][4][8]

The loss brought Dallas to eight losses on the 2026 NFL season, according to Yahoo Sports Top. Coach Schottenheimer and the Cowboys training staff have not provided a timeline for the players to clear protocol before their next game. [2][4]