In a hard‑fought Sunday night showdown at AT&T Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys edged the Indianapolis Colts 27‑23 despite playing without three starters. The most notable absentee was wide receiver George Pickens, who was listed as inactive and has been the subject of trade speculation.
Key moments
With just over a minute left, running back Javonte Williams broke through for a 1‑yard touchdown, giving Dallas a 27‑23 lead. The play capped a 101‑yard rushing day for Williams, who carried the ball 20 times after Tyler Goodson exited in the first half with a knee injury.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Prescott led a decisive four‑play, 65‑yard drive that consumed only 29 seconds. Two Indianapolis penalties helped the drive, and Williams finished it with the go‑ahead score. The Cowboys had previously lost a fumble that set up the Colts’ first touchdown.
Stat line highlights
Prescott completed 21 of 34 passes for 335 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also lost a fumble that contributed to Indianapolis’ early lead. CeeDee Lamb was the Cowboys’ top receiver, hauling in 10 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown, though he also lost a fumble on a catch‑and‑run inside the Colts’ 15‑yard line.
For Indianapolis, quarterback Daniel Jones went 20 of 34 for 180 yards, one touchdown and the interception that sealed the loss. Colts kicker Spencer Shrader connected on a 59‑yard field goal to tie the game at 20‑20 with 5:56 remaining, then a 50‑yard effort gave Indy a 23‑20 lead with 1:37 left. However, the lead proved insufficient.
Injuries and roster notes
Dallas entered the game missing three starters. In addition to Pickens, tight end Jake Ferguson suffered a left‑knee injury in the third quarter and did not return. The Cowboys also dealt with a costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when inactive player DeMarvion Overshown ran onto the field to celebrate a takeaway.
Indianapolis was also hampered by injuries. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies (neck) and right tackle Jalen Travis (knee) left in the first half and did not return. Veteran running back Jonathan Taylor, who may be on his way out of Indianapolis, finished with 46 yards on 13 carries and lost a fumble.
Family rivalry adds drama
The game featured a unique family showdown as younger brother Caleb Downs intercepted his older brother’s pass, sealing the win for Dallas. The Downs family had fifteen members in attendance, cheering on the younger sibling’s game‑changing play.
Looking ahead
The Cowboys will open a three‑game home stretch next Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts host the Miami Dolphins the same weekend, a matchup that could further define their rebuilding trajectory.
Both teams remain in the early stages of the season, with Dallas sitting at 4‑5 and Indianapolis at 2‑6. The win gives Dallas a much‑needed boost as they strive to climb back into playoff contention.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
