The Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker when they play the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Neither defender took part in practice during the week, leaving them as the only Cowboys listed as out on the final report.
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 before the snap. Overshown recorded seven tackles before a hamstring injury ended his participation in Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants.
P.J. Locke is the likely choice at free safety after Hooker broke his forearm against New York and underwent surgery. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the two players could miss about a week or two, and Dallas has not put Hooker on injured reserve.
First-round rookie Caleb Downs also played deeper after Hooker left, but coaches prefer him closer to the line of scrimmage, making Locke’s presence deep possible.
Dallas also listed no game designation for offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius, who fully practiced despite a knee problem. Outside linebacker James Houston progressed from limited practice Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday, leaving him available against Washington. The team provided no additional details about its defensive changes.
