The Cowboys' defense has already been hit hard with several injuries just two weeks into the season.
The Dallas Cowboys had a clean run with health this offseason, but two weeks into the season, the football gods have said enough.
In Week 1, Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown were bitten by the injury bug; in Week 2, PJ Locke and Cobie Durant hobbled off AT&T Stadium.
With the Baltimore Ravens up next in Rio, this is not the time for a defense that had already looked shaky, to be going through an injury crisis.
And head coach Brian Schottenheimer gave an update on those injured.
"D'Mo's [Overshown] doing good, make good progress, Malik Hooker continues his rehab. Cobie's got the hamstring strain, and PJ [Locke] has tore the plantar fasciitis in his foot, and so both those guys could be a few weeks."
Well, that's yuck.
But could Hooker face the Ravens?
“Got to get through the week, it could be tough just because it's a shorter week for us, but I'm not saying no," Schottenheimer said.
So, let's go through this.
Schottenheimer did state that it is next man up on defense given the injuries.
Both Shavon Revel Jr. and Markquese Bell got snaps against Washington, and neither covered themselves in glory, although Revel did have some nice moments after a rocky start.
It is clear the Cowboys have no plans to put Caleb Downs at safety despite the injuries, so Alijah Clark could get the call-up.
The Cowboys could look to elevate someone from the practice squad, such as Reddy Stewart, Derion Kendrick, Caelen Carson, or Ameer Speed, so there are a couple of options, and Stewart has shown flashes, especially last season and in training camp.
But none will provide too much confidence to a secondary that has looked a little wobbly in the opening two weeks, and with the Ravens up next, and that offense, it could be tough sledding in Brazil.
Who the Cowboys look to fill in for Locke and Durant is going to be a fascinating watch, as it already feels like this defense is at breaking-strain personnel-wise two weeks into the season.
Is there someone outside of the building the Cowboys could look to bring in? Not for this week, but maybe in the weeks after? Possibly.
But right now, the message is simple for the Cowboys amid a mini-injury crisis.
Next man up.
