DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker have been ruled out of Dallas’ Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders after neither defender practiced during the week. The Cowboys’ final report lists no other players as unavailable.
Overshown left Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants with a hamstring injury after recording seven tackles. Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and assume the green-dot duties, which include receiving defensive calls and relaying them to teammates before the snap.
Hooker sustained a broken forearm against New York and underwent surgery. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said both players could miss about a week or two, and Dallas has not placed Hooker on injured reserve. P.J.
Locke is expected to take over at free safety. The Cowboys also played first-round rookie Caleb Downs deeper after Hooker left, but the coaching staff prefers Downs closer to the line of scrimmage.
Dallas also reported positive developments for two players. Ajani Cornelius was fully cleared to practice while dealing with a knee issue, and James Houston finished the week with full participation after limited work Wednesday. Neither received a game designation, so both are available against Washington.
