The Cowboys could be without DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker for as many as two games, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Overshown suffered a hamstring strain that forced him out following halftime and is expected to miss one to two weeks.
The middle linebacker is responsible for relaying defensive communications between coaches and players, and Schottenheimer said Dallas hopes he will be out for about two weeks.
Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm. Dallas does not intend to put him on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games. P.J. Locke is expected to replace Hooker in the passing-down package, with Caleb Downs continuing in roles at safety and in the slot during those situations.
Dallas also has several possibilities at linebacker. Jaishawn Barham spent most of the opener alongside Dee Winters, and Shemar James had a smaller role. Schottenheimer called Winters the most experienced option and mentioned practice-squad elevations Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a difficult defensive debut for first-year coordinator Christian Parker. The Cowboys gave up 28 points, 394 yards and 165 rushing yards, forced one punt and allowed nine conversions on 11 third-down tries. Those results left Dallas with two offensive possessions after halftime.