The Dallas Cowboys have ruled out linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders. Overshown is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Hooker broke his forearm during Dallas' 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Hooker underwent surgery, and coach Brian Schottenheimer said each player could miss roughly one or two weeks.
Dallas has not put Hooker on injured reserve.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to open at middle linebacker and assume Overshown's green-dot duties, which include receiving defensive directions and relaying them to teammates before each play. Overshown made seven tackles before exiting the opener. P.J.
Locke is the projected replacement at free safety. First-round rookie Caleb Downs also played deep after Hooker's injury, but the staff would rather keep him closer to the line, with Locke remaining farther back.
Dallas also reported that offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius practiced fully despite a knee problem. Outside linebacker James Houston progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full work Thursday and Friday. Neither player was assigned a game designation, so both are available. Overshown and Hooker are the only Cowboys listed as out, and no additional information on the defensive changes was provided.