The Cowboys are preparing to play without starting linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for part of the next two games, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Both players were injured during Dallas’ season-opening loss to the New York Giants.
Overshown has a hamstring strain and could be sidelined for one to two weeks. He left after halftime Sunday after serving as the linebacker responsible for relaying defensive calls from the coaching staff to the field.
Hooker is set to have surgery for a fractured forearm. Dallas does not plan to place him on injured reserve, a move that would require him to miss at least four games. Schottenheimer said the team hopes Hooker can return within about two weeks.
The Cowboys plan to continue using Caleb Downs as a safety and in the slot during passing situations. P.J. Locke is expected to receive the snaps Hooker would have played in those packages. Schottenheimer said the team values Downs’ ability to move around but prefers him closer to the line of scrimmage.
Replacing Overshown will involve several linebackers. Rookie Jaishawn Barham played most of the second half alongside Dee Winters, while Shemar James saw limited action. The Cowboys also have practice-squad options in Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron, whom Schottenheimer identified as players the team may use.
The defensive changes come after the Giants scored 28 points and gained 394 yards in first-time coordinator Christian Parker’s debut. New York ran for 165 yards, converted nine of 11 third downs and forced Dallas’ offense to run only two second-half possessions.
