The Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for their Week 2 matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Both players were ruled out after missing every practice session during the week.
Overshown injured his hamstring and Hooker broke his forearm in Dallas’ 28-20 loss to the New York Giants in Week 1. Hooker had surgery, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said each player could be absent for about a week or two. The Cowboys have not placed Hooker on injured reserve.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is set to start at middle linebacker and take over the green-dot responsibilities previously handled by Overshown. That role involves receiving defensive instructions and communicating them to teammates before the snap. Overshown had seven tackles before leaving the season opener.
P.J. Locke is identified as the likely replacement for Hooker at free safety. Dallas also used first-round rookie Caleb Downs in a deeper position after Hooker exited against New York, but the coaching staff prefers to use Downs nearer to the line of scrimmage. Keeping Locke deep would allow Downs to retain that role.
Dallas received positive updates on two other players. Offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius practiced without restriction despite a knee issue, while outside linebacker James Houston moved from limited work Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday. Neither player received a game designation, making both available against Washington.
