The Dallas Cowboys are turning to three members of their 2026 draft class for added defensive work against Baltimore on Sunday. Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham are expected to start, while Malachi Lawrence is set to handle rotational snaps.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the plan was to give the rookies substantial playing opportunities. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has made major turnovers when given time on the field. Schottenheimer also highlighted Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability, while noting that mistakes are part of the players’ development.
The rookies’ expanded roles come with several Dallas defenders absent from the team’s Wednesday practice. Cornerback Cobie Durant, safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown were not involved. The report did not give additional information about why they missed practice. Dallas is scheduled to play Baltimore on Sunday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.
