# Cowboys shuffle defense after Week 1 injuries

> Dallas must replace two key defensive starters for Sunday's home opener against Washington.
- Title: Cowboys shuffle defense after Week 1 injuries | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: dallas cowboys, week 2, demarvion overshown, malik hooker, injuries, depth chart, shemar james, p.j. locke, washington commanders, nfl 2026-27 season, defensive replacements, sports
- Source: Dallas Cowboys On SI — https://si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/dallas-cowboys-depth-chart-nfl-week-2-tips-hand-demarvion-overshown-replacement
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:32:37+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: dallas cowboys, week 2, demarvion overshown, malik hooker, injuries, depth chart, shemar james, p.j. locke, washington commanders, nfl 2026-27 season, defensive replacements, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Shemar James and P.J. Locke are the leading candidates to fill in for injured Cowboys DeMarvion Overshown and Malik Hooker.