Cowboys Move First-Round Rookie To Injury List In Roster Shuffle

The struggling Dallas Cowboys defense can use all the help it can get. But for the next four weeks or more, it won't have rookie first-round pass-rusher Malachi Lawrence among those potential helpers.

The 3-5 Cowboys, prepping for Sunday's noon kickoff at 2-6 Indianapolis, are planning to have cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (ankle) and safety Caleb Downs (concussion) available.

Same with dinged-up wide receiver George Pickens, who has been dealing with ankle, hamstring and shoulder issues.

But Lawrence's ankle problem hasn't allowed him to come around, so on Saturday, the club announced that he is moving to the IR list.

Dallas also made a couple of other transactions for this weekend's game as they activated linebacker Marist Liufau from Reserve/Injured-Designated for Return.

The club also elevated receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad. Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard will remain on Reserve/Injured-Designated for Return, and his game status has changed from questionable to out.

Meanwhile, coach Brian Schottenheimer, with comments on 105.3 The Fan’s Shan & RJ before Friday’s practice, suggested that Pickens and Porter should be good to go.

“With Joey and GP, it’s the same thing, kind of as last week,” Schottenheimer said. “They’ll be a little bit limited, but we’re hopeful that they’re able to play. Hopeful for GP as well.”

The other issue with "GP''?

Pickens was targeted just four times against Arizona in what would be an embarrassing 33-30 OT loss.

QB Dak Prescott offered an odd answer on this front.

“If I had the answer, we’d get him involved,” Prescott said Sunday. “I’m not trying to be rude or whatever it is. ...''

It's not "rude.'' It is confounding.

Pickens finished with two catches for 48 yards. ... though it is worth noting that through eight games, he has 533 receiving yards, good for 14th in the NFL.

Downs, the the No. 11 overall pick in April, along with safety PJ Locke, spent the week working through the concussion protocol after the Arizona game.

Downs and Locke both practiced fully Friday and carry no game designation. But officially, Porter and Pickens, along with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring/back) are listed as questionable.