Caleb Downs is set to lead an expanded defensive role for Dallas when the Cowboys face Baltimore on Sunday. Downs and Jaishawn Barham, two of the team’s leading 2026 draft selections, are expected to start, while fellow rookie Malachi Lawrence is slated to take key rotational snaps.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the plan was to give Dallas’ young players significant opportunities. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has generated major turnovers whenever he has played. Schottenheimer also pointed to Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability, while noting that the rookies will make mistakes as they continue to develop.
The rookies’ increased responsibilities come as Dallas deals with several defensive absences. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, as well as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, missed Wednesday’s practice. The sports.yahoo.com report did not provide additional details about why they were absent.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.
