The Dallas Cowboys will not have linebacker DeMarvion Overshown or safety Malik Hooker available for their Week 2 matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Both players missed every practice during the week and were listed as out.
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, and coach Brian Schottenheimer said each player could be sidelined for about one to two weeks.
Overshown also handled Dallas' defensive communication in the opener by wearing the green-dot helmet, which allowed him to receive Parker's calls and pass them along to teammates. He made seven tackles before leaving the game. Schottenheimer said rookie Jaishawn Barham will start at middle linebacker and take over the green-dot duties against Washington. This will be Barham's second NFL game.
P.J. Locke is expected to replace Hooker at free safety. Dallas also used first-round pick Caleb Downs deep after Hooker exited the opener, though the coaching staff prefers to use Downs nearer the line of scrimmage. That arrangement would allow Locke to remain in the deep role while Downs keeps a more flexible assignment.
Dallas received positive updates on two other players. Offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius practiced fully all week despite a knee issue, and outside linebacker James Houston moved from limited work Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday after dealing with a shoulder issue. Neither player received a game designation, making them available for the Washington game.
