Cowboys' Dak Prescott Loses Key Weapons Ahead of Critical 49ers Showdown

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys finally have some momentum, but their injury problems are threatening to derail it before they can build on Sunday's victory.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Monday that tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Tyler Goodson will miss multiple weeks after suffering knee injuries in Dallas' 27-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

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Safety P.J. Locke has also been ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering his second concussion in consecutive games.

The news is a significant setback for a Cowboys team that improved to 4-5 and is attempting to climb back into the NFC playoff race.

Ferguson's injury could be particularly damaging to quarterback Dak Prescott and an offense already dealing with personnel concerns.

The veteran tight end caught Dallas' first touchdown against Indianapolis before suffering injuries to the posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee during the third quarter.

Ferguson has four touchdown receptions this season, ranking second on the team.

With him sidelined, Dallas will lean more heavily on Brevyn Spann-Ford and James Mitchell.

Luke Schoonmaker, who has missed two games with a groin injury, is also expected to return this week.

Goodson's injury comes at an especially frustrating time.

The former Colts running back enjoyed his best NFL rushing performance Sunday, gaining a career-high 77 yards on 12 carries while providing valuable support behind Javonte Williams.

Goodson initially returned to action after hurting his knee, but additional medical examinations revealed a more significant problem.

"A lot of these guys, they play on adrenaline," Schottenheimer said Monday while discussing Goodson's injury.

His absence leaves Dallas searching for another dependable backup.

Fullback Hunter Luepke remains available, while Israel Abanikanda and Jashaun Corbin are potential promotions from the practice squad.

Locke's situation presents a different concern.

The safety cleared concussion protocol before facing Indianapolis but suffered another head injury Sunday.

Schottenheimer has already ruled him out against San Francisco, with additional missed time possible.

The Cowboys are also monitoring wide receiver George Pickens, return specialist KaVontae Turpin, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. as they work through injuries.

Those absences could complicate preparations for one of Dallas' toughest remaining opponents.

The 49ers bring a talented offense capable of testing an already stretched Cowboys secondary, while Prescott must adjust to losing one of his established receiving targets.

Dallas has shown signs of improvement, particularly offensively, but staying healthy is becoming an equally important challenge.

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Sunday's win over Indianapolis offered renewed hope.

Now the Cowboys must find a way to keep winning without several players who helped make that victory possible.