For a Cowboys defense that really does not need to be bothered with more injuries, one of their most important pieces–and, indeed, one of their most-often injured pieces–will not be on the field for the Week 17 Christmas game against the Commanders. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss against the Chargers, and coach Brian Schottenheimer was not exactly been upbeat about his prospects for playing in the injury’s aftermath.
“Tough week. Short week,” Schottenheimer said. “Tough week, so I think we’re holding our breath if we think he’ll be able to play. We’ll see, but tough with a short week.”
On Wednesday, the Cowboys made it official, ruling Overshown out for Thursday, and he will remain in limbo for the finale in Week 18 against the Giants.
DeMarvion Overshown Has Struggled With Injuries
Overshown has been very good for the Cowboys since he was a third-round pick in 2023. But that’s only when he has been on the field–and those have been rare occasions.
Overshown missed all of his rookie season with an ACL injury he suffered in the preseason. Then, he missed the first nine games of this season before returning after the bye week, with a defense that had been rebuilt following the acquisitions of defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the trade deadline.
Overshown had again torn his ACL in Week 14 of the 2024 season. In all, he has played only 19 games since he was drafted, but for a Cowboys defense that has struggled at linebacker, Overshown is a key player. After he made his return this year, he said he was looking forward to steady improvement, given how long his rehab had been.
“It’s easy, fixable stuff, so I’m excited for this next game because I know that is, I won’t say it’s the worst I will ever play, but coming off 343 days, I can be way better than that,” Overshown said.
GettyHead coach Brian Schottenheimer of the Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Playing 4th Game on Thursday
The Cowboys will set an NFL record on Thursday when they take the field for the third time on a Thursday game, having played on Thanksgiving, as well as Thursday night contests against the Eagles in the opener and the Lions on December 4, after Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys have also played two Monday night games. While Brian Schottenheimer is not using the schedule as an excuse, there is no doubt that quick turnarounds do hurt the team’s ability to cope with injuries.
“Well, I mean, the fact that we’re the first team to ever play four is certainly unique. It’s never happened before, so that’s interesting,” Schottenheimer said. “We know how to process it, we know the right way to game plan, and kind of how to do that. We know how to practice and be smart with their bodies.
“I mean, these guys are not ready to run. They’re hurting right now. I watched the film three or four times, and we played physical yesterday, we did. We didn’t play great in a lot of areas, but we did play physical, so our guys are sore and they’re banged up, but we’ll get them back.”
Cowboys Make Final Decision on Oft-Injured Star for Christmas Game