Cowboys-Texans Week 4: Porter Jr. could draw Collins; Romo out at CBS

Dallas visits Houston in Week 4 with new cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in line to trail Nico Collins, while former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is out at CBS after a July arrest.

The Dallas Cowboys close out the practice week for their Week 4 road game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Much of the buildup has centered on cornerback Joey Porter Jr., a recent trade acquisition whose coverage assignment could help decide the game. The week also brought a broadcasting headline involving one of the franchise's most celebrated former players.

Porter Jr. is in line for a major role right away and is active for the matchup. Dallas wants to use his combative style of coverage to trail Houston's top receiver, Nico Collins, which could squeeze the margins for quarterback C.J. Stroud and boost the Cowboys' chances of forcing turnovers. If Porter Jr. can routinely handle opponents' leading targets, it would speed the recovery of a Dallas defense that has struggled.

The trade that landed Porter Jr. in Dallas remained part of the conversation, with Caleb Downs discussing the deal and its early returns alongside Jaishawn Barham in team-published coverage. Dallas also expects Malik Hooker back in the lineup against Houston. Elsewhere on defense, one Cowboys outlet examined a pass rush that has yet to produce, and another urged fans to stay patient while waiting for Rashan Gary to break through.

The offensive tackles face arguably the toughest assignments on the Cowboys' side. Tyler Guyton has taken a clear step forward this season, but Terence Steele remains the shakiest piece of the line, and Houston's Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are expected to attack that side all afternoon. Extra blocking help on obvious passing downs figures to be part of Dallas' plan.

Houston carries its own questions on the health front. Collins spoke with reporters ahead of a possible return to action, and the Texans' final injury report settled the status of Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for Sunday.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, for his part, talked about playing with 'controlled aggression' as Houston works to get its offense on track. The Texans defense has emphasized tackling, takeaways and every player handling his own assignment, even as the club's offensive line has remained a drag on the offense.

Prediction columns have leaned against Dallas, with the majority of NFL expert picks siding with Houston. CeeDee Lamb pointed to the difficult test in front of the Cowboys, and the team's official site used a mailbag to explore whether a rivalry is building between the two Texas franchises.

Away from the field, CBS has cut ties with former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo following a July drunk-driving arrest, per Cowboys Wire. Around the league, a survey found 17 NFL coaches split on whether pass interference should be made reviewable, and Breece Hall was among the Jets starters ruled out for their game against the Bears.

The Cowboys and Texans kick off Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 PM EDT at Reliant Stadium. The game airs on FOX.