The Dallas Cowboys may be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next two games, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Both players were injured during the team’s season-opening loss to the New York Giants.
Overshown is dealing with a hamstring strain that ended his game after halftime. The middle linebacker, who handles the defensive communication between the coaching staff and players, is expected to miss one to two weeks. Schottenheimer said the team hopes the absence lasts about two weeks.
Hooker is set to have surgery for a fractured forearm. The Cowboys do not plan to place him on injured reserve, a move that would require him to miss at least four games. P.J. Locke is expected to take Hooker’s snaps in the team’s passing-down defensive package, while Caleb Downs will continue working as a safety and slot defender in those situations.
The Cowboys have several options to cover for Overshown. Jaishawn Barham played mostly beside Dee Winters against New York, while Shemar James also received a limited number of snaps. Schottenheimer identified Winters as the most experienced player in that group and said the team could also use practice-squad elevations, including veteran Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries come after a difficult defensive opener under first-year coordinator Christian Parker. Dallas allowed 28 points and 394 yards, forced one punt, surrendered 165 rushing yards and gave up nine conversions on 11 third-down attempts. Those third-down results helped limit the Cowboys to two offensive possessions after halftime.
