Cowboys’ final injury report rules out Malik Hooker, DeMarvion Overshown vs. Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys will enter Sunday’s NFC East matchup against the Washington Commanders without two defensive players after Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown were officially ruled out on the final injury report, after missing previous practices.

Both players failed to practice throughout the week because of their respective injuries. Hooker was dealing with a forearm issue, while Overshown was listed with a hamstring injury.

The Cowboys also received some positive news ahead of the Week 2 matchup. Ajani Cornelius and James Houstonpracticed fully Friday and carry no game designation, meaning they are available to play against Washington.

Cowboys lose two defensive contributors

Hooker was a non-participant in all three practices this week before being ruled out.

The veteran safety’s absence leaves Dallas without one of its most experienced defensive backs. Hooker has spent the majority of his career playing safety and has been used in both starting and rotational roles during his time with the Cowboys.

His absence could force Dallas to rely more heavily on its remaining safety group against Washington.

Overshown’s absence is another significant defensive personnel loss.

The linebacker did not practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday after entering the week with a hamstring injury. He was also dealing with the issue heading into the Cowboys’ Week 1 matchup with the New York Giants.

Overshown has become an important part of Dallas’ linebacker rotation because of his range and ability to contribute against both the run and passing game. The Cowboys will now have to move forward without him for Sunday’s divisional matchup.

James Houston clears injury report

Houston’s progression during the week was one of the more encouraging developments for Dallas.

The edge rusher was limited Wednesday because of a shoulder injury before practicing fully Thursday. He remained a full participant Friday and was not given a game designation.

That means Houston is available against Washington.

The timing matters for a Cowboys defense that struggled to consistently affect the Giants’ passing game in Week 1. Dallas will need its pass rush to create pressure without relying exclusively on coverage to disrupt Washington’s offense.

Houston’s shoulder clearly did not prevent him from completing a full practice workload on either of the final two days of the week.

Cornelius also practiced fully throughout the week despite his knee injury. He has no game designation and is available for Sunday’s game.

Commanders rule out two players

Washington will also be missing two players.

Linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo were both ruled out after missing practice throughout the week. Luvu did not participate because of a groin injury, while Okonkwo was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The Commanders also have a notable question mark heading into Sunday.

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was officially listed as questionable after being limited Friday. Kinlaw did not practice Thursday because of a back injury but returned to limited participation Friday.

That makes him the only Washington player on the final report carrying a questionable designation.

Several other Commanders players, including Dorance Armstrong, K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaylin Lane, Charles Omenihu and Odafe Oweh, practiced on a limited basis during the week but were not assigned game-status designations.

Defensive tackle Daron Payne, meanwhile, finished the week as a full participant after being limited Wednesday.

Cowboys vs. Commanders injury outlook

The final report gives Dallas a clearer picture heading into Sunday’s game.

Dallas Cowboys

• Malik Hooker, S, forearm, Out
• DeMarvion Overshown, LB, hamstring, Out
• Ajani Cornelius, T, knee, No designation
• James Houston, OLB, shoulder, No designation

Washington Commanders

• Frankie Luvu, LB, groin, Out
• Chig Okonkwo, TE, hamstring, Out
• Javon Kinlaw, DT, back, Questionable

The Cowboys’ biggest concerns are now concentrated on the defensive side of the ball, with Hooker and Overshown unavailable. Houston’s clearance provides some needed depth, but Dallas will still have to compensate for the loss of two defensive contributors when it faces Washington on Sunday.

The Cowboys and Commanders meet Sunday, September 20, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium.