Austin was unable to bring in either of this targets during Thursday's 31-24 loss to Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Austin was unable to build on his Week 13 two-catch performance and now has not touched the ball on offense in four of Dallas' six games since the bye. The Cowboys are still in the thick of it in a weak NFC East, but the offense hasn't shown the life it had earlier in the season against a murder's row of pass defenses over the past three weeks, losses to New England, Buffalo, and Chicago. The challenges, and potential struggles, continue Sunday as Austin and the Cowboys take on the league's 10th-ranked pass defense in the Rams.

Austin caught two of his five targets for 22 yards during Thursday's 26-15 loss to Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Austin's receptions were his first since a five-catch performance in Week 6. He had two rushes for 27 yards and a touchdown since then. Austin has given way to Dallas' bevy of talented young receivers and even they have struggled as Dallas has walked into the pass-defense equivalent of a buzz saw. Austin, with his limited usage rate, would be an incredibly risky play no matter the opponent. As luck would have it, that opponent offers yet another difficult matchup Thursday as Dallas takes on Chicago's ninth-rated pass defense.

Austin did not bring in his only target of Sunday's 13-9 loss to New England.

EDGE Analysis

Austin has now been held catchless in five consecutive games and has just two rushes for 27 yards during that span. The 2013 first-round pick has been held to single-digit yardage or worse in six of nine games this season and has just one game with more than two touches. He might be good for an end-around or gadget play here and there, but that will be tough to pull off Thursday against Buffalo's third-ranked defense.

Austin was unable to haul in his only target of Sunday's 35-27 win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Austin's 30 offensive snaps were his second most this season, but it didn't stop him from being held catchless for the fourth consecutive game. Austin offers some gadgetry and has a rushing touchdown on the season, but as a low-volume receiver with just two red-zone touches this season he's a huge risk. That is especially so Sunday against New England's second-ranked pass defense.

Austin didn't receive a target in Monday's 37-18 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

This is Austin's first targetless game, but he's been teetering on the edge of a goose egg all year, as he finished four contests with just one target. He tied his season-low for offensive snaps with 11 of a possible 73 (15 percent). Unless there's an injury, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb will hoard the looks for Cowboys' wideouts.

Austin failed to catch his only target but took his lone carry 20 yards for a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

The speedster turned on the jets after taking a pitch from Dak Prescott and beat Philly defenders to the pylon early in the first quarter for the first score of the game. But as per usual when the rest of the receiving corps is healthy, Austin was minimally involved in the Cowboys' offense after that. He's seen only 11 touches all season, and five of them came last week when Randall Cobb was sidelined and Amari Cooper had to leave the game early.

Austin caught five of six targets for a team-high 64 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

The Cowboys' receiving ranks thinned when Amari Cooper was sidelined with a quadriceps injury, and Austin ended up being the biggest beneficiary of the available looks from Dak Prescott. If Cooper's injury lingers into next week, Austin could see additional targets again, but Michael Gallup is likelier to take on the No. 1 WR assignment.

Austin (concussion) is active for Sunday's game in New Orleans, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin finally wrested his way out of the concussion protocol this week, which has allowed him to put an end to a two-game absence. Look for him to return to his specialized role on offense while potentially taking over punt-return duties.

Austin (concussion) is no longer listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin has been battling a concussion for the last two weeks, but it looks like he is free of symptoms and good to go for the weekend. Expect Austin to assume his duties as the team's top punt returner.

Austin (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin is progressing through the league's protocol for head injuries, and he's now logged two consecutive limited practice sessions. The speedy wideout will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before retaking the field. When Austin does return to the lineup, he'll serve as the Cowboys' top punt returner.