Dallas could be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next two games after both were hurt in the season-opening loss to the New York Giants, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Overshown has a hamstring strain and is expected to miss one to two weeks. The Cowboys hope his recovery takes roughly two weeks.
He also handles defensive communication between the coaching staff and players.
Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm, but Dallas does not plan to place him on injured reserve, which would require at least four missed games. P.J. Locke is expected to replace him in the passing-down package. Caleb Downs will continue handling safety and slot-defender duties in those situations.
Dallas may use several players at linebacker. Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham shared most of the snaps beside each other against New York, and Shemar James had a smaller role. Schottenheimer called Winters the most experienced option and mentioned practice-squad elevations such as Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a defensive performance in which Dallas allowed 28 points and 394 yards, gave up 165 rushing yards and allowed nine third-down conversions on 11 attempts. Schottenheimer continued to support first-year coordinator Christian Parker and said the unit’s young players are expected to improve.
