DeMarvion Overshown Provides Injury Update Ahead of Packers Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys could receive a significant defensive boost against the Green Bay Packers, as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is hopeful he can return to the field Sunday night.

Overshown has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, but he provided an encouraging update on his recovery Monday. The linebacker said he feels considerably better and believes he is capable of performing the movements required to play, although his availability will depend on how his body responds throughout the week.

“I feel better than when I felt when the injury happened,” Overshown said. “I’m running around, I’m doing everything you can as a football player.”

However, Overshown acknowledged that hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, making the Cowboys’ upcoming practices particularly important in determining whether he can suit up against Green Bay.

“At this point, it’s just how practice goes throughout the week,” Overshown said. “How the [hamstring] handles all the stresses of a full 60 minutes of football.”

Overshown could help Cowboys address defensive struggles

Getting Overshown back would provide Dallas with another experienced option at linebacker as the defense attempts to turn around a disappointing start to the season.

Through five games, the Cowboys are 2-3 and allowing 395.4 total yards per game, the second-highest average in the NFL. Dallas has struggled particularly against the run, surrendering 168.4 rushing yards per game.

Overshown believes the defense has the personnel to become one of the league’s best units, but he acknowledged that mental mistakes have prevented the group from reaching its potential.

“There’s no reason why we couldn’t be a defense that only allowed 10 points a game,” Overshown said. “Our thing is not shooting ourselves in the foot, the mental errors. Once we get past that, we’re going to be one of the best defenses in the league.”

Rather than simply criticizing the unit’s performance, the conversation focused on accountability, communication and how each player could help his teammates improve.

“As long as we are all in this together, I think we’re going to be great,” Overshown said. “I know we’re going to be there.”

Jaishawn Barham has earned Overshown’s respect 

While Overshown works toward a potential return, rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham has taken on increased responsibility in his absence.

Barham has played the MIKE linebacker position and worn the green dot, communicating defensive calls from coordinator Christian Parker to the rest of the unit. Taking on that responsibility as a rookie is a significant assignment, especially for a defense searching for consistency.

“He’s a dog,” Overshown said. “He’s getting better every week, he’s learning.”

Overshown added that Barham has treated the green dot as a responsibility and a sign of respect, embracing the challenge of directing the defense.

His emergence also creates an interesting question about how Dallas will deploy its linebackers when Overshown returns. Overshown began the season as the MIKE linebacker, but Barham’s recent performances could influence the coaching staff’s decision about their respective roles.

Cowboys must be careful with Overshown’s return

Overshown has already endured significant injuries during his NFL career. He tore the ACL in his left knee in 2023 and suffered tears to his ACL, MCL and PCL in his right knee in 2024.

He described the frustration from two perspectives: as a person who wants to be available for his family and as a football player determined to return to the field.

His potential return would give Dallas another valuable defender ahead of a difficult road matchup against Green Bay. However, the Cowboys must weigh that potential boost against the importance of ensuring he is physically ready to handle a full game.

If Overshown can return without setbacks, his experience and versatility could strengthen a linebacker group that has benefited from Barham’s emergence. For a Dallas defense searching for answers, getting another key contributor back would be a welcome development.