Dallas will face Washington without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown or safety Malik Hooker after both missed every practice session during the week. Overshown suffered a hamstring injury and Hooker sustained a broken forearm in the Cowboys’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Hooker underwent surgery, but Dallas has not placed him on injured reserve.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said each player could miss about one or two weeks.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and assume Overshown’s green-dot duties. The assignment includes receiving defensive instructions and relaying them to teammates before the snap. Overshown recorded seven tackles before leaving the opener.
P.J. Locke is expected to play free safety, while first-round rookie Caleb Downs could remain closer to the line of scrimmage, where the coaching staff prefers to use him.
Dallas also listed positive developments involving two other players. Ajani Cornelius, an offensive tackle dealing with a knee issue, completed practice without restrictions. Outside linebacker James Houston participated fully on Thursday and Friday after limited work Wednesday.
