Dallas will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for its Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Both missed all of the Cowboys’ practices during the week and were ruled out.
Overshown suffered a hamstring injury and Hooker broke his forearm during Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Hooker underwent surgery, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the players could each miss about one or two weeks. Dallas has not placed Hooker on injured reserve. Overshown recorded seven tackles before leaving the opener.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and assume Overshown’s green-dot duties, which include receiving defensive calls and relaying them to teammates before the snap. P.J. Locke is the likely choice at free safety. First-round rookie Caleb Downs played deeper after Hooker left against New York, but coaches prefer him closer to the line, allowing Locke to remain deep.
Dallas also listed no game designation for offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius after he completed unrestricted practice while dealing with a knee issue. Outside linebacker James Houston progressed to full participation Thursday and Friday after limited work Wednesday. Both are available against Washington, leaving Overshown and Hooker as the Cowboys’ only players ruled out.
