Dallas opened Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field with a special teams setback, losing KaVontae Turpin to a rib injury on the opening kickoff.
The Cowboys later ruled Turpin out for the remainder of the matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The injury forced Dallas to reorganize its return units early.
Turpin, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, had been used as both a return specialist and a versatile offensive piece.
Reserve running back Tyler Goodson took over the primary return duties, while Jonathan Mingo was expected to move into the fourth wide receiver spot behind CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy.
Turpin entered the game with four receptions for 39 yards and two rushing attempts for 10 yards and a touchdown this season.
He was also nine receiving yards short of reaching 1,000 for his career.
Winters Provides Defensive Spark
On defense, Dee Winters gave Dallas an important takeaway by stepping in front of a pass intended for Green Bay receiver Matthew Golden in the first quarter.
The linebacker nearly returned the interception for a touchdown, but officials ruled him down after reviewing the play.
The pick marked Dallas' first interception of the season and its first since Week 14 of the previous season.
The play gave the Cowboys favorable field position, but the offense could not convert it into points.
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw an interception of his own on the ensuing possession, with Green Bay safety Evan Williams making the pick.
The exchange left the Packers holding a 7-0 lead.
The takeaway came amid broader concerns about Dallas' secondary.
Before the game, reports detailed plans to potentially restore rookie Caleb Downs to his preferred nickel role after injuries pushed him into a deeper safety position.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the staff wanted Downs closer to the line of scrimmage, where his versatility could bring him into more plays.
Downs had recorded a sack, a pass breakup and two forced fumbles in his first two games but had not added to those categories in the following three.
Defensive coordinator Christian Parker was also considering ways to use Downs at nickel and dime while keeping some safety responsibilities.
Dallas entered the matchup with several secondary absences, including cornerback Cobie Durant, while linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was ruled out.
The Cowboys' defensive challenges extended to tackling and explosive plays.
Figures cited in reports showed Dallas had missed 43 tackles, allowing opponents an additional 304 yards, while Green Bay had recorded 39 explosive plays against the Cowboys' 37 allowed.
