From Dallas Cowboys On SI · · 2m
Cowboys shuffle defense after Week 1 injuries
Dallas must replace two key defensive starters for Sunday's home opener against Washington.
In brief
Dallas must replace two key defensive starters for Sunday's home opener against Washington. Shemar James and P.J. Locke are the leading candidates to fill in for injured Cowboys DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker. Originally reported by Dallas Cowboys On SI.
Cowboys stumble in season opener
Dallas lost to the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in a disappointing primetime debut to start the 2026-27 season.
Home opener against Washington awaits
The Cowboys host the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday as they look to bounce back in their Week 2 home opener.
Favorites despite poor start
Dallas enters Week 2 as slight home favorites despite the disappointing performance against the Giants.
Two key injuries reshape defense
DeMarvion Overshown suffered a strained hamstring and will miss several weeks, while Malik Hooker broke a bone in his forearm in the season opener.
Defense struggled in Week 1
The Cowboys defense couldn't get off the field and looked lost in coverage against the Giants, forcing coordinator Christian Parker to adjust his strategy.
P.J. Locke steps in at safety
Free-agent acquisition P.J. Locke is listed as co-starter with Malik Hooker and will see increased snaps while Hooker recovers from his fractured forearm.
Rookie Caleb Downs gets opportunity
Rookie safety Caleb Downs is expected to slide into a primary role alongside Jalen Thompson while Hooker is sidelined.
Shemar James favored at linebacker
Second-year linebacker Shemar James, a fifth-round pick in 2025, is the leading candidate to replace DeMarvion Overshown at middle linebacker.
James showed promise as rookie
James flashed brilliance during his first season and is considered the safer choice over rookie Jaishawn Barham, who showed discipline issues in Week 1.
Barham an intriguing alternative
Rookie Jaishawn Barham was a training camp standout but was held back by a groin injury and showed lack of discipline in the season opener.
Kickoff Sunday at four twenty five
The Cowboys face Washington on Sunday, September 20 at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX as Dallas looks to improve on its Week 1 performance.
The key point
Shemar James and P.J. Locke are the leading candidates to fill in for injured Cowboys DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker.
