The Cowboys could be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next two games, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Overshown left Sunday’s season-opening loss to the New York Giants after sustaining a hamstring strain and may be sidelined for one to two weeks.
Hooker is set to have surgery for a fractured forearm. Dallas does not plan to place him on injured reserve, a move that would keep him out for at least four games. Schottenheimer said the team hopes Hooker’s recovery takes about two weeks.
Caleb Downs is expected to remain in his role as a safety and slot defender during passing situations. P.J. Locke is slated to take the snaps that would have gone to Hooker in those packages.
The Cowboys used rookie Jaishawn Barham alongside Dee Winters for most of the snaps after Overshown’s departure, with Shemar James also seeing limited action. Schottenheimer identified Winters as the most experienced player in the group and also mentioned practice-squad options Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
Dallas’ defense allowed 28 points and 394 yards against New York in the debut of first-year coordinator Christian Parker. The Giants gained 165 rushing yards, converted nine of 11 third downs and held the Cowboys to two second-half possessions. Schottenheimer said Parker remains the right coach for the position and expects the unit to improve in its next game.
