The Dallas Cowboys may have to play without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next two games, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Both were hurt in the season-opening loss to the New York Giants. Overshown has a hamstring strain that ended his game after halftime and is expected to miss one to two weeks.
Hooker will undergo surgery for a fractured forearm, but Dallas does not plan to put him on injured reserve, which would mean at least four missed games. Schottenheimer said the team is targeting an absence of roughly two weeks for Overshown.
P.J. Locke is expected to replace Hooker in the passing-down defensive package. Caleb Downs will continue in roles as a safety and slot defender.
Dallas could use Jaishawn Barham, who spent most of the game alongside Dee Winters against New York, or Shemar James, who had a limited role, to cover for Overshown. Schottenheimer called Winters the most experienced option and also mentioned practice-squad elevations Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron.
The injuries followed a difficult opener for first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Dallas surrendered 28 points, 394 yards and 165 rushing yards, forced only one punt and allowed New York to convert nine of 11 third downs. The Cowboys consequently had just two offensive possessions after halftime.
