The Dallas Cowboys defense has been the worst in the league by yards allowed/game through five weeks, allowing 412 on average per bout.
In fact, arguably the only reason they are lying at .500 five weeks into the season is due to the very impressive play of quarterback, Dak Prescott; who ranks second in the league so far this year in total passing yards; and the surprise explosion of free agent pickup, running back Javonte Williams, who is currently third in the league in rushing with 447 yards.
However, the Cowboys could be set to receive a boost for their run defense, as inside linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown, is believed to tracking to come back to the team by November, according to Jordan Schultz.
Overshown tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL last year amid a breakout season in which he recorded
DeMarvion Overshown Close To A Return After Devastating 2024 Knee Injury
“Sources: Cowboys standout LB DeMarvion Overshown is nearing a return to practice, and the team expects to open his window later this month with the goal of having him playing by November.” Schultz wrote on Friday afternoon.
“Overshown tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL last year amid a breakout season in which he recorded 84 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 8 TFLs, and 1 defensive TD.”
“He’s worked relentlessly to get back — and his return is close. Massive news for Dallas.”
Having suffered that brutal knee tear against the Cincinnati Bengals in December 2024, it was believed by many after the game – including then head coach, Mike McCarthy, that the third year linebacker could end up having to miss the entirety of the 2025 season.
But now, having rehabbed well and gotten far further than where many thought he would be at this point in his recovery, the Texas alum and former third round is on the brink of making his long-awaited return after almost a year out.
What Will Overshown Bring To The Cowboys’ Defense Upon Return?
The first point to add would be that it is unlikely that Overshown will be able to operate near or at the level he was playing at prior to his devastating injury last winter.
Returning from an injury as severe as a tri-ligament knee tear not only takes substantial time to return to the game itself, but will also require an adjustment period as Overshown retrieves the last stages of his elite-level athleticism.
Offseason trade acquisitions, Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn, have not managed to provide consistent, high-quality play at the heart of the run defense, managing Pro Football Focus grades of 41.2 and 56.4 this season.
And with Sanborn now out, the Cowboys will be set to start a combination of a fifth round rookie in Shemar James, alongside one of the worst rated off-the-ball linebackers in football in Murray, in week 6.
Hopefully, the addition of Overshown can provide some much needed spark and life to a unit that has been one of the core weaknesses of a middle-of-the-road Dallas team towards the critical final months of the season.
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