Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer gives injury update on a key starter: hopeful but cautious.

Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters left Week 6 with an Achilles injury after a first-half interception against the Green Bay Packers. He did not return for the second half, and a team update described the ailment as an Achilles strain rather than a tear. Winters had contributed a game-opening interception and one pass breakup before exiting, while also helping the defense in a three-tackle-for-loss, six-tackles-total performance through six games this season.

Winters’ injury added to a string of Week 6 bumps for Dallas, which also saw wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and quarterback Dak Prescott deal with rib-related issues. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. aggravated an ankle issue but remained in the game. The defense, with Winters on the field, faced an underwhelming showing on third down, allowing the Packers to convert 11 of 18 attempts and to reach 318 total yards, despite Dallas limiting Green Bay to 57 rushing yards.

Dallas continues to evaluate Winters as they prepare for a crucial Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team has to balance the potential loss of Winters with the need to restore a stronger defensive performance and sustain offensive production that struggled in the loss to Green Bay, managing just 13 points in the game.

Key statistics: Winters had 35 combined tackles, three for loss, one quarterback hit, an interception, and a pass defense through six games. He began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and was acquired by Dallas in the 2026 NFL Draft for a fifth-round pick.