Cowboys Receive Encouraging Injury Timelines for DeMarvion Overshown, Malik Hooker

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed encouraging return timelines for injured defenders DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker

by Romell Williams

Sep 15, 2026

Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys received encouraging news regarding two defensive starters who exited Sunday night’s 28-20 loss to the New York Giants.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided updates Monday on linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker. Although, both players expected to miss time, neither injury appears likely to become a long-term absence.

That is welcome news for a Dallas defense that struggled in its 2026 debut and must now prepare for its home opener against the Washington Commanders.

Overshown excepted to miss one or two weeks

Overshown suffered a hamstring injury during the second half against New York. Schottenheimer confirmed that the linebacker has a strained hamstring and is expected to need approximately one to two weeks to recover.

Overshown’s absence creates an opportunity for rookie Jaishawn Barham, whom Dallas selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Barham played 34 defensive snaps against the Giants and recorded six tackles, including one for loss. His strong training camp and preseason performance should give the Cowboys confidence in his ability to assume a larger role temporarily.

Dallas also has Shemar James on its active roster, while Justin Barron and Curtis Robinson provide additional linebacker depth on the practice squad.

Hooker requires surgery on fractured elbow

Initial reports identified Hooker’s injury as a fractured forearm, but Schottenheimer clarified that the veteran safety suffered a fractured elbow.

Hooker will undergo surgery, although the Cowboys reportedly believe his return could fall within a two-week window. That would represent a surprisingly quick recovery from an injury that initially appeared capable of sidelining him for an extended stretch.

P.J. Locke is expected to handle Hooker’s defensive snaps while recovers.

Hooker had been lining up alongside Jalen Thompson when rookie Caleb Downs moved into the slot. Schottenheimer indicated that Dallas prefers to keep Downs in that role during passing situations, allowing Locke to step into Hooker’s place at safety.

Downs can still return to safety when the Cowboys use their base defensive package.

Dallas defensive depth faces an early test

The Cowboys could not get off the field against the Giants, allowing New York to convert nine of 11 third-down attempts and control possession for more than 36 minutes.

Losing Overshown and Hooker compounds the challenge for defensive coordinator Christian Parker as he attempts to correct the coverage breakdowns, missed tackles and communication errors that plagued Dallas in Week 1.

Barham and Locke will now be asked to help stabilize the unit. Both replacements must be prepared for expanded responsibilities against a Washington offense capable of stressing defenders with speed and quarterback mobility.

The Cowboys would prefer to have their entire starting defense available, but avoiding length absences for Overshown and Hooker is an early-season victory. Their projected recovery timelines give Dallas a chance to navigate the new few games without losing two important defenders for significant portion of the season.