The Dallas Cowboys are considering several defensive changes after linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker were injured 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, with the team hoping his absence lasts about two weeks.
Overshown also manages defensive communication between the coaching staff and players.
Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm. Dallas does not intend to put him on injured reserve, which would require at least four missed games. P.J. Locke is expected to handle Hooker’s role in the passing-down package. Caleb Downs is slated to keep contributing at both safety and slot defender in those situations.
Jaishawn Barham played primarily alongside Dee Winters against New York, and Shemar James also took a limited number of snaps. Schottenheimer called Winters the most experienced option and said the team could elevate practice-squad players Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a defensive performance in which Dallas gave up 28 points, 394 yards and 165 rushing yards, forced one punt, and allowed nine third-down conversions on 11 attempts. Schottenheimer said first-year coordinator Christian Parker remains the right choice and expects improvement from Parker and the young players.
