The Dallas Cowboys will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker against the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Both were ruled out after sitting out every practice session during the week.
Overshown is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Hooker underwent surgery for a broken forearm suffered in Dallas' 28-20 defeat against the New York Giants. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said either player could be out for about one or two weeks. Dallas has not put Hooker on injured reserve.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and assume the green-dot duties Overshown previously held. 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 the projected choice at free safety. Dallas placed first-round rookie Caleb Downs deeper after Hooker left against New York, but the staff prefers Downs closer to the line.
Locke playing deep would let Downs remain in that position. Dallas also reported that offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius was fully cleared in practice despite a knee problem. Outside linebacker James Houston progressed from limited work Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday.
