Cowboys already have reason to believe recent injury update will pay off in major way, potentially starting in Week 8

Opening the 21-day practice window for a player returning from injury can mean very different things for different players.

For Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown, who hasn’t played since a gruesome knee injury suffered late in the 2024 season, it probably means practicing for three full weeks before taking the field. For starting center Cooper Beebe, who was placed on Injured Reserve earlier this season due to an ankle injury, it could mean being only days away from suiting up on gameday.

Beebe told reporters he hopes to play in Denver this week, but his status will be determined by the second practice of the week. Beebe was limited on the initial Week 8 injury report.

"I'm feeling pretty good," Beebe said Wednesday. "Obviously, kind of working through some aches and getting back in the groove. Realistically, based on how I feel tomorrow [Thursday], we’ll see if I can go this week. If not, for sure next week."

The update is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, a Week 10 bye could have prompted patience from the Cowboys if they didn’t think Beebe was ready. Secondly and most importantly, Beebe being able to play is an immediate game-changer for the offense. And we just saw an example of why last week when right guard Tyler Booker returned to the lineup.

Cooper Beebe's return would make Cowboys' strength even better

Brock Hoffman has done an admirable job stepping in during Beebe’s four-game absence. But we thought the same of backup guard T.J. Bass before starting right guard Tyler Booker reminded us of his physicality and power during the win over the Washington Commanders. Leading up to that game, I did an in-depth piece on how Booker's absence cost the Cowboys on Javonte Williams' worst game of the season at Carolina. In that game, Bass' physicality wasn't enough. The same could be said about Hoffman's.

I say that with caution because both Hoffman and Bass are two of the best backup interior linemen you'll find in the NFL. But Booker is a clear upgrade and so will Beebe when he returns.

Beebe’s calling card is his physicality and power at the point of attack. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams have built the team's run game around that identity, frequently relying on power, counter, and similar run concepts that require a physical core in the O-line. Even on zone runs, you can see Beebe's ability to create movement, like in the play below.