NFL14 Sept 20262 minute read

Dallas Cowboys Face Defensive Shuffle After Key Injuries

The Dallas Cowboys will be without starting linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next couple of weeks due to injuries.

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Defensive Blows for Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are facing some tough news on the injury front after their season opening loss to the New York Giants. Starting linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker are both expected to miss the next two games.

Overshown suffered a hamstring strain during the second half of Sunday's game. He was responsible for the coach to player communication on the field. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the linebacker could miss one to two weeks.

Hooker is set to have surgery on a fractured forearm. However, the team does not plan to place him on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games. Schottenheimer noted, "we're hoping it's a two week window."

Reshuffling the Lineup

With two key players sidelined, the Cowboys must adjust their defensive lineup. P.J. Locke will step in to take over the snaps Hooker would normally play in the sub package. Caleb Downs will remain in his current role as a safety and slot player.

Replacing Overshown will be a bigger challenge. During Sunday's game, the Cowboys used rookie Jaishawn Barham alongside Dee Winters, while also giving Shemar James some snaps. Schottenheimer mentioned that Winters is the most experienced of the group, but they will need to rotate players.

The team might also look to their practice squad for help. Veteran Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron are both candidates to be called up for the upcoming games.

Room for Improvement

These injuries come at a difficult time for the Dallas defense. Under first time coordinator Christian Parker, the unit struggled in the opener, giving up 28 points and 394 yards. They only forced one punt all game.

The Giants ran for 165 yards and converted 9 of 11 third down tries. This kept the Dallas offense off the field, limiting them to just two possessions in the second half.

Despite the rough start, Schottenheimer backed his coordinator. He stated that he has no question Parker is the right guy for the job. The coach expects both the young players and the coaching staff to learn from the performance and play better this week.

What it means for the next game

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Dallas Cowboys win 65%, Washington Commanders win 35%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 27, Washington Commanders 23. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.