Rookie Jaishawn Barham is expected to start at middle linebacker for Dallas against Washington on Sunday afternoon, assuming the green-dot duties previously held by DeMarvion Overshown. The assignment includes receiving defensive instructions and relaying them to teammates before the snap. P.J. Locke is the likely choice to replace Malik Hooker at free safety.
Overshown and Hooker are the only Cowboys listed as out on the final report after neither took part in practice during the week. Overshown sustained a hamstring injury and Hooker fractured his forearm in Dallas’ 28-20 Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Hooker underwent surgery, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said both players could miss about one or two weeks.
Dallas has not put Hooker on injured reserve.
Caleb Downs, a first-round rookie, also played deeper after Hooker left the opener, but the coaching staff prefers him closer to the line. Keeping Locke deep would let Downs stay in that position. Overshown had seven tackles before leaving the game.
Dallas also reported that offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius fully participated while dealing with a knee issue. Outside linebacker James Houston finished both Thursday and Friday as a full participant after limited work Wednesday. Neither player was assigned a game designation, so both are available against Washington. No additional details on the defensive adjustments were provided.
