The Dallas Cowboys will play Washington on Sunday afternoon without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker. Neither player practiced during the week, and both were ruled out for the game.
Overshown is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Hooker sustained a broken forearm in Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Hooker underwent surgery, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the two players could each miss about one or two weeks. Dallas has not placed Hooker on injured reserve.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker and handle the green-dot duties, which include receiving defensive calls and relaying them before snaps. P.J. Locke is the likely choice at free safety. First-round rookie Caleb Downs played deeper after Hooker left the opener, but the coaching staff prefers him closer to the line, making Locke’s presence deep more likely.
Dallas also listed offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius as available after he practiced fully despite a knee issue. Outside linebacker James Houston progressed to full participation after limited work earlier in the week. Neither player was given a game designation. Overshown and Hooker were the only Cowboys ruled out.
