The Dallas Cowboys are heading across the globe to Brazil for Sunday’s game against the Ravens, but they’re leaving some major pieces of their defense back home. Four key players have been officially ruled out and will not be making the trip, a real blow to their already battered squad.
The Defensive Backfield Takes A Major Hit
This isn’t just one or two guys; we’re talking about a significant chunk of their defensive depth. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who started the season opener and logged 51 defensive snaps and three on special teams before his injury, is out with a hamstring issue. That’s a starter gone. Then there’s the secondary. Safety Malik Hooker, another Week 1 starter who played 12 snaps before getting hurt, is sidelined with a forearm injury. Cornerback Cobie Durant, who actually started the first two games and played a solid 87 snaps, is also out with a hamstring. To top it off, safety P.J. Locke, who started Week 2 and contributed 31 defensive snaps plus 11 on special teams, won’t be traveling either due to a foot injury. All four of these guys missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so this isn’t exactly a surprise, but it absolutely changes their defensive outlook for Sunday.
A Small Sliver of Hope?
It isn’t all bad news for the Cowboys, I guess. Outside linebacker James Houston appears to be on track to play against the Ravens. He was a full participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, which is a good sign for his availability. But let’s be real, one player returning isn’t going to fully offset four defensive starters, including three key defensive backs, not even getting on the plane to Brazil. That’s a huge ask for any unit, especially against a team like the Ravens.
The Cowboys’ final injury report isn’t even due until tomorrow, but we already know the big names who are out. Heading to Brazil for Sunday’s game against the Ravens is going to be a tough test, and doing it without Overshown, Hooker, Durant, and Locke makes an already difficult task even harder. You gotta wonder how their secondary will hold up without all that experience. It’s going to be a fascinating game to watch, for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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