The Dallas Cowboys will play the Washington Commanders on Sunday without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker. Both were ruled out after missing every practice during the week.
Overshown injured his hamstring and Hooker fractured his forearm during Dallas’ 28-20 loss to the New York Giants in Week 1. Hooker had surgery, and coach Brian Schottenheimer said both players could be absent for roughly one to two weeks.
Dallas will use rookie Jaishawn Barham at middle linebacker, with Barham also taking over the green-dot communication role. Overshown wore the helmet in the opener, receiving defensive calls from Parker and relaying them to the rest of the unit. He made seven tackles before leaving that game.
Hooker’s absence also affects the secondary. P.J. Locke is identified as the likely replacement at free safety, while first-round pick Caleb Downs saw time deep after Hooker left the opener. The coaching staff prefers Downs closer to the line of scrimmage, according to the report, which could allow him to keep that role while Locke plays farther back.
Dallas received positive updates on offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius and outside linebacker James Houston. Cornelius practiced fully all week despite a knee issue, and Houston moved from limited work Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday. Neither received a game designation, clearing both to play against Washington. Houston had 10 defensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps in Week 1.
