The Dallas Cowboys may be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for their next two games after both were injured in the season-opening loss to the New York Giants. Overshown has a hamstring strain, while Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Overshown, the middle linebacker responsible for defensive communication between coaches and players, is expected to miss one to two weeks. The team hopes the absence lasts about two weeks. Dallas does not plan to place Hooker on injured reserve, which would require at least four missed games.
P.J. Locke is expected to replace Hooker in the passing-down package. Caleb Downs will continue handling safety and slot-defender duties in those situations. Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham and Shemar James are among the options at linebacker, with Winters the most experienced, Schottenheimer said. The team could also elevate practice-squad players Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a defensive opener in which Dallas gave up 28 points, 394 yards and 165 rushing yards. The Cowboys forced one punt and allowed nine conversions on 11 third downs, contributing to only two offensive possessions after halftime. Schottenheimer said first-year coordinator Christian Parker remains the right person for the job and expects improvement from Parker and the young players.
No further timetable was provided.
