The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to replace linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker, who were injured in the season-opening loss to the New York Giants. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the pair could miss the next two games.
Overshown has a hamstring strain that ended his outing after halftime, and the team expects his recovery to take one to two weeks, with hopes that it lasts roughly two weeks.
Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm. Dallas does not intend to put him on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games. P.J.
Locke is slated to handle Hooker’s role in the passing-down package. Caleb Downs will keep working at safety and as a slot defender in those situations. Jaishawn Barham, who played mainly alongside Dee Winters against New York, and Shemar James are among the linebacker options.
Schottenheimer called Winters the most experienced of that group and also mentioned potential additions from the practice squad, including Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a challenging defensive debut for first-year coordinator Christian Parker. Dallas allowed 28 points and 394 yards, yielded 165 rushing yards and forced one punt. New York converted nine of its 11 third-down opportunities, leaving Dallas with only two offensive possessions after halftime.
