Cowboys Sign New Running Back, Release Lengthy Injury Update

The Dallas Cowboys worked out a trio of practice-squad-level running backs this week, and signed one of them.

Of course, a bigger concern inside The Star is getting some work out of the existing roster members who find themselves part of a lengthy injury report ahead of Sunday's visit to Indianapolis.

First, the transaction: Jashaun Corbin is back with the club after a short stint here as a training camp body in Oxnard.

The Cowboys also played host to former Denver Broncos running back Blake Watson and former Green Bay Packers running back Damon Bankston, with Corbin - who played at Texas A&M and with the Atlanta Falcons - winning a spot on the P-squad.

Meanwhile, over the course of the last couple of days, 16 players have been listed on the Dallas injury report.

Notable standouts there include both first-round rookies, safety Caleb Downs (concussion) and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence (ankle). Downs, though, seems to be making progress.

Additionally, the Cowboys are working through issues with tight end Jake Ferguson, corner Joey Porter, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety PJ Locke.

Also problematic: It doesn't look like Jalen Thompson is coming back from injured reserve this week, so the Cowboys might be scrambling in the secondary once again.

And then there is receiver George Pickens, who is still dealing with a shoulder injury. There does not seem to be any true worry about his game-day status for Sunday. ... but his reduction in targets and snaps is a lingering concern.

The Cowboys (sitting at a dismal 3-5) have tried to suggest that has much to do with him playing hurt. But the truth is, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has sometimes taken Pickens off the field in on running downs and in other circumstances.

Schottenheimer this week said he has to do a better job getting Pickens more involved. As the Nov. 10 trade deadline looms, Cowboys fans - and maybe other teams - will be looking to see how that unfolds on Sunday against the 2-6 Colts.