The Dallas Cowboys are preparing Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham to start on defense against Baltimore on Sunday, while fellow rookie Malachi Lawrence is expected to play in a defensive rotation. All three are members of Dallas’ 2026 draft class.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team had planned to give its younger players substantial opportunities. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has created major turnovers when given playing time. Schottenheimer also highlighted Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability, while noting that the rookies are still developing and will make mistakes.
The expanded assignments come as Dallas has several defensive players listed as absent from Wednesday’s practice. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke did not participate, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also missed the session. The sports.yahoo.com report did not include additional information about why those players were absent. Dallas is scheduled to play Baltimore on Sunday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.
