Cowboys Rule Out Two Defenders Ahead of Eagles Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys will be without two defensive players for Monday night’s divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas announced that linebacker Marist Liufau and safety P.J. Locke will remain on injured reserve and will not travel with the team to Philadelphia.

Both players returned to practice this week after the Cowboys opened their 21-day windows to return from injured reserve. However, neither is ready to play, leaving Dallas to wait at least another week before potentially welcoming them back.

The decisions come as the Cowboys look to improve their defense and get their season back on track following consecutive losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.

Cowboys make final decisions on Marist Liufau and P.J. Locke

Liufau and Locke were both listed as questionable for Monday’s game after participating in practice this week. Dallas ultimately decided against activating either player for the Philadelphia matchup.

Liufau has been sidelined by a wrist injury and has yet to appear in a game this season. The linebacker returned to practice after the team opened his 21-day window on Thursday, progressing to full participation by Friday.

Locke, meanwhile, has been recovering from a foot injury. The safety has appeared in two games this season, starting one and recording three tackles.

Although their return to practice was an encouraging development, the Cowboys will need to make corresponding roster moves before either player can be activated. With Dallas scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 1 after a short week, that game could provide another opportunity for the defenders to return.

Their continued absence means Dallas will have to rely on its available defensive personnel against an Eagles team looking to take advantage of the matchup.

DeMarvion Overshown and Cobie Durant available 

While Liufau and Locke will miss Monday’s game, Dallas received positive news regarding linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Cobie Durant. Both players participated fully in practice during the week and enter the Eagles matchup without a game designation, meaning they are medically cleared to play.

Overshown has been recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Cowboys’ previous games. His return would provide a boost to a linebacker group that recently lost Dee Winters to an Achilles strain.

Durant has also missed significant time, sitting out four consecutive games because of a hamstring injury suffered against Washington in Week 2. His availability gives Dallas another option in the secondary as it prepares to face Philadelphia.

Getting both players back could help the Cowboys improve their defensive depth. However, their return does not eliminate the need for a stronger overall performance from a unit that has struggled throughout the season.

Cowboys face important divisional test 

Dallas enters the Week 7 matchup at 2-4 after losing to Tampa Bay and Green Bay in consecutive games. Monday’s contest offers an opportunity to respond against a division rival while keeping the Cowboys in contention in the NFC East.

The defense will need to capitalize on the reinforcements available while managing the absence of Liufau, Locke and Winters. Dallas also ruled out wide receiver KaVontae Turpin, offensive tackle Drew Shelton and Winters for the Eagles game.

With the Cowboys looking to end their losing streak, the availability of Overshown and Durant could be important. Still, Dallas must deliver a more consistent defensive performance if it hopes to leave Philadelphia with a victory.