The Cowboys’ Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon will feature two Dallas defenders who were unavailable throughout the week’s practices. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is dealing with a hamstring injury, while safety Malik Hooker has a broken forearm. Both were hurt in Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants.
Hooker underwent surgery, and coach Brian Schottenheimer said each player could miss about one or two weeks. Dallas has not put Hooker on injured reserve.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and assume Overshown’s green-dot duties, which include receiving defensive directions and relaying them to teammates before plays begin. Overshown recorded seven tackles before exiting the opener. P.J.
Locke is the likely choice to replace Hooker at free safety. Dallas moved first-round rookie Caleb Downs deeper after Hooker left against New York, but coaches prefer Downs closer to the line. Locke staying deep would let Downs continue in that position.
Two other Cowboys are available. Offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius practiced fully despite a knee issue, and outside linebacker James Houston progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full work Thursday and Friday. Neither received a game designation. Overshown and Hooker are the only Dallas players listed as out, and no further information about the defensive adjustments was provided.
