The Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker when they host the Washington Commanders in their Week 2 game Sunday. Neither defender practiced during the week, and both were listed as out on the team’s final injury report.
Overshown sustained a hamstring strain and Hooker fractured his forearm during Dallas’ 28-20 loss to the New York Giants in Week 1. Hooker had surgery, while head coach Brian Schottenheimer said both players could be sidelined for roughly one to two weeks.
Overshown’s absence also changes Dallas’ defensive communication responsibilities. He wore the green-dot helmet in the opener, allowing him to receive calls from Parker and relay them to the rest of the defense. Overshown made seven tackles before leaving that game.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is set to start at middle linebacker and take over the green-dot duties against Washington. The assignment comes in Barham’s second NFL game. Dee Winters and Shemar James are additional linebacker options, according to the report.
Hooker’s injury affects the Cowboys’ safety alignment. P.J. Locke is expected to replace him at free safety, while first-round rookie Caleb Downs could continue playing closer to the line of scrimmage. Dallas used Downs deep after Hooker exited the opener, but the coaching staff prefers his versatility nearer to the action.
