The Dallas Cowboys are entering Week 4 with a battered defense, but there is some encouraging injury news heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Texans.
Dallas will be without two defensive players, but several others are trending toward playing, including veteran safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. The Cowboys will need all the help they can get as they attempt to get back to .500.
Cobie Durant, DeMarvion Overshown ruled out
The Cowboys will be without cornerback Cobie Durant and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown against Houston.
Durant has been dealing with a hamstring injury since suffering it in the Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders. He missed last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice throughout the week, making his absence Sunday unsurprising.
Overshown is also dealing with a hamstring injury and will miss his third consecutive game. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Friday that the linebacker would not return against the Texans. Rookie Jaishawn Barham has continued to see increased responsibility in his absence.
With both players unavailable, Dallas will once again have to rely on its depth.
Malik Hooker, Shavon Revel Jr. trending toward playing
The Cowboys did receive some major defensive reinforcements.
Hooker, who fractured his forearm in the season opener against the New York Giants, returned to practice this week and was listed as a full participant Friday. He was not given a game designation, meaning he is expected to return after missing the last two games.
Revel also received positive news. After suffering a hyperextended right knee against the Ravens in Brazil, the rookie cornerback returned to full participation Friday and was not given a game designation.
That is especially important for Dallas’ secondary.
Joey Porter Jr. adds another layer
The Cowboys could also have their newest cornerback available Sunday after acquiring Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.
Dallas has been dealing with injuries throughout its secondary, making the timing of the trade particularly important. Porter gives the Cowboys another experienced outside cornerback and a corner that can cover most of the NFL teams WR1 as they prepare to face a Houston offense expected to have wide receiver Nico Collins back in the lineup.
For Dallas, the injury report ultimately brings mixed news. Durant and Overshown are out, but Hooker and Revel are expected to return, while Porter could potentially make his Cowboys debut.
With the Cowboys sitting at 1-2, getting healthy defensive contributors back at the right time could be critical against Houston.
