Dallas Cowboys target defensive revival ahead of 2026 season and Colts matchup

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2025 season with the league's worst defense and were tied for the seventh‑fewest sacks. To boost the pass rush, the team acquired edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and drafted linebacker Malachi Lawrence, adding depth with Sam Williams and James Houston.

Defensive end Donovan Ezeiraku, a 2025 second‑round pick, was highlighted as the Cowboys' most promising player. After hip labrum surgery in the offseason he made progress in OTAs and is slated to start opposite Gary, playing a central role in the defensive rebuild.

In Week 9, the Cowboys will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is aiming to return from a torn Achilles by the season opener, while the team assesses backups Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard amid broader injury concerns that have limited the Colts' pass rush and secondary.