Dallas faces a defensive crisis heading into Rio as four key playmakers remain sidelined, forcing depth players to step up against Lamar Jackson’s high-powered Ravens attack.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer opened this week at The Star with a burst of positivity regarding a handful of injured defensive players.
“Got to get through the week,” Schottenheimer explained regarding some of the aches and pains. “It could be tough ... but I’m not saying 'no.”
The optimism is understand. But the realities are starting to take hold. And "no'' seems to be right around the corner.
On Wednesday, four defenders did not practice as Dallas opened its week for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring), safety Malik Hooker (forearm), safety P.J. Locke (foot), and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) were listed as non-participants on the team’s first injury report of Week 3.
Outside linebacker James Houston is the fifth name on the day's injury report, as he was listed with a shoulder injury but practiced in full.
Schottenheimer said at The Star that Durant would begin on-field rehab Wednesday and that Locke is out of his walking boot. Overshown is “making good progress” with his hamstring strain, Schottenheimer said, but there is a “low probability” he plays against Baltimore.
Durant and Locke (subbing for Hooker) were both hurt in Sunday’s 37-20 win over Washington at AT&T Stadium.
Markquese Bell took Locke’s snaps at safety. Second-year cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. replaced Durant. The likelihood is that they will be asked to step up again this week against Lamar Jackson and the 1-1 Ravens.
There is some discussion about whether to place Locke on injured reserve, which would keep him out at least four games. Schottenheimer also confirmed that Locke’s plantar fascia tear is complete rather than partial.
“That is correct,” Schottenheimer said. “You and I are both learning about doctor stuff. But yeah, they say it’s better. It’s pretty sore for a week. And then it begins to heal much quicker when you tear it fully.”
Meanwhile, Hooker and Overshown were both hurt in the 28-20 loss at the Giants on Sept. 13 at MetLife Stadium. Hooker fractured his forearm and had surgery two days later. Overshown strained his hamstring.
Schottenheimer had put both players on a one- to two-week timeline the day after the opener; neither was active against Washington.
How about this week? That's where the "not saying 'no'' comes in.
Most likely, though? Heads up for the "Baby Cowboys.''
Rookie Jaishawn Barham will start again at linebacker against Baltimore in Overshown's place and will wear the green dot, relaying the defensive call from the sideline to the huddle.
And in the secondary, Dallas will scramble wildly to attempt to make up for all of the ailments. ... with another rookie, Caleb Downs, being asked to be large and in charge.
The Cowboys will practice Thursday in Frisco and fly to Rio de Janeiro that night. Kickoff at Maracanã Stadium is 3:25 p.m. CT Sunday on CBS, with Dallas as the designated home team. ... hoping to add a "yes'' to the winning side of the ledger.
