Cowboys Make DeMarvion Overshown Decision & 2 Roster Moves As New Coach Preps For Packers

The Dallas Cowboys' big-ticket item during their mini-bye week was hiring former defensive coordinator and coach Mike Pettine.

Joining the team to support first-time defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Pettine will be seen as someone Parker can lean on as he navigates his first season in the big chair.

Over five weeks, the Cowboys' defense has been woeful, with some thinking it is even worse than Matt Eberflus' unit from last season, which is a damning assessment.

But there is still plenty of time to turn this thing around, and after trying to get Pettine in the offseason, the Cowboys circled back, and now that Mike has finished his holiday in Italy, he's ready to get back into the swing of things under head coach Brian Schotteheimer..

He'll be part of the deal (from the booth) on Sunday night in Green Bay for the 2-3 Cowboys, who on Saturday made a big decision on the rehabbing DeMarvion Overshown along with a pair of roster moves.

Overshown (hamstring) was listed as questionable, but he's out and isn't making the trip.

Called up from the practice squad are DBs Derion Kendrick and Juanyeh Thomas, even as Joey Porter Jr. (ankle) is listed as questionable but expected to play.

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Meanwhile ... there is one thing many people want to know about Pettine decision to link up with the Cowboys and Parker.

Why did he say yes?

"When somebody you care about reaches out, I just felt it was just needed to answer the call," Pettine said. "So, I'm just obviously trying to hit the ground running here. feel like I'm trying to sip water from a from a fire hose, but trying to get caught up on all the film and make observations here and there.

"I'm just here to support him and both him and Schotty, and the rest of the defensive staff in any way I can."

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And how he helps this embattled defense will be fascinating to see play out over the coming months, because right now it needs all the help it can get.

With the 34-year-old Parker on the sideline and the 60-year-old Pettine in the booth, the young coordinator will have a veteran sounding board during games and the week to help smooth this out, to the point where Dallas might have a functioning, average NFL defense.

For some, even that is a bridge too far, but Dallas clearly felt like Parker needed help, and it was proactive in getting the young coach a veteran to lean on. Someone who has done this before and knows the way of the NFL coaching world.

Now, will it be some magical fix that transforms this defense? No, but it might help Parker adjust and then become a better coordinator with someone he trusts who can help guide him through these troubled waters.