Dallas Cowboys continue to face problems: Two more players injured before facing the Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys will enter Sunday’s NFC East clash with the Washington Commanders dealing with another defensive headache.

After opening the 2026 season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, Dallas has confirmed that two defensive starters won’t be available for its home opener.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker have both been ruled out after suffering injuries in Week 1. Hooker fractured his forearm and underwent surgery, while Overshown is recovering from a hamstring strain.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated that neither injury is expected to become a long-term problem, with Hooker potentially returning in about two weeks and Overshown expected to miss roughly one to two weeks.

Neither player has been placed on injured reserve, which further suggests the Cowboys expect both defenders to return relatively soon. Still, their absence creates an immediate challenge for a defense that struggled to limit the Giants during the season opener.

Dallas will now have to rely on several younger players and reshuffle responsibilities across the unit. That could make Sunday’s divisional matchup an early opportunity for some of the Cowboys’ less experienced defenders to establish themselves.

Cowboys reshuffle defense for Washington matchup

Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham is expected to take over at middle linebacker and handle the green-dot communication duties against Washington.

That role requires him to relay defensive calls and help organize the unit before each snap, giving the rookie an important responsibility just one game into his NFL career.

At safety, P.J. Locke is expected to take on additional work with Hooker sidelined. Dallas isn’t simply planning to move first-round pick Caleb Downs into Hooker’s role, however.

The coaching staff views Downs as particularly valuable closer to the line of scrimmage, where his versatility can be used in different ways.

There’s some encouraging news elsewhere on the Cowboys’ injury report. Outside linebacker James Houston and offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius practiced fully Friday and entered the weekend without a game-status designation. Their availability gives Dallas some additional depth heading into the matchup.

The offense will also be expected to respond after an inconsistent opening performance. CeeDee Lamb caught a touchdown against the Giants and remains one of the Cowboys’ biggest offensive weapons.

“I know the city gonna be rocking. The game is gonna be fire. I can’t wait to just go out there and have everybody excited, score a couple of touchdowns and blow the roof off the place,” said Lamb ahead of the matchup.

Washington also enters the matchup at 0-1 following its 24-22 loss to Philadelphia. With both NFC East rivals looking for their first victory, Sunday’s meeting carries added importance despite arriving so early in the season.