Just hours after pulling off a thrilling 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts to keep their 2026 season alive, the Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a severe injury blow to their rapidly ascending offensive backfield.
Running back Tyler Goodson—who provided the ultimate spark as Dallas’ dual-threat weapon on Sunday—is set to miss extended time after suffering a knee injury during the Week 9 contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The devastating update was confirmed by Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones during his regular appearance on 105.3 The Fan, leaving head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams scrambling for answers ahead of Week 10.
”Expected to Miss Time”: Stephen Jones Confirms Knee Injury Horror
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Jones revealed that the former Colts running back sustained a knee injury late in Sunday’s game, right in the middle of his most impressive performance in a Dallas uniform:
“Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that RB Tyler Goodson is expected to miss time with a knee injury he suffered in yesterday’s win in Indianapolis.”
The timing could not be worse for Goodson or America’s Team.
Competing against his former squad, Goodson shredded the Colts’ defense for 77 rushing yards on just 12 carries, averaging a blistering 6.4 yards per attempt. His dynamic bursts served as the perfect complement to primary back Javonte Williams (101 rushing yards), providing Dallas with a lethal 1-2 punch that generated over 500 total yards of offense.
On the season, Goodson has accumulated 163 rushing yards on 40 attempts, along with four receptions for 23 yards out of the backfield.
Backfield Crisis: Malik Davis Out for Season as Depth Evaporates
Goodson’s sudden injury creates an immediate crisis inside The Star in Frisco.
Dallas had only recently settled on Goodson as their definitive No. 2 running back following a season-ending injury to Malik Davis, who remains on injured reserve and will not return this year.
With Goodson expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks, the Cowboys’ backfield depth behind Williams has effectively evaporated overnight:
- Roster Void: Beyond Javonte Williams, Dallas enters the week with virtually zero proven depth in the backfield.
- Trade Deadline Urgency: With the NFL trade deadline taking place on November 10, Jerry Jones and the front office may be forced to pursue a low-cost veteran RB to bolster the depth chart before the window closes.
- Free Agency Search: If a trade fails to materialize, Dallas will have to scour the free-agent wire for emergency help ahead of Week 10.
Race Against the Clock for America’s Team
While Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Javonte Williams grab headlines for their game-ending heroics in Indianapolis, Goodson’s injury removes a crucial element of speed from Dallas’ offensive game plan.
Sitting at 4-5 and chasing the New York Giants in the NFC East, the Cowboys cannot afford to let their ground attack stagnate. How Jerry Jones navigates the trade deadline over the next 24 hours could define whether Dallas stays in the playoff hunt or unravels under mounting injuries.
