The Dallas Cowboys are considering 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 could be out one to two weeks, with the team hoping he returns in about two weeks.
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 Hooker in the passing-down package. Caleb Downs will continue handling safety and slot-defender duties in those situations. At linebacker, Jaishawn Barham spent most of his snaps alongside Dee Winters against New York, and Shemar James also saw limited action. 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 and 394 yards. The Cowboys forced one punt, allowed 165 rushing yards and surrendered nine conversions on 11 third-down tries, contributing to only two offensive possessions after halftime. Schottenheimer said first-year coordinator Christian Parker remains the right person for the job and expects improvement from Parker and the team’s young players.
No further timetable was provided.
