FRISCO, TEXAS – Following Wednesday’s first injury report, the Dallas Cowboys received mixed injury news Thursday as they continued preparations for their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 20.
The Cowboys’ second injury report of the week, which is also their penultimate report before the game, shows four players dealing with injuries. Safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown remained sidelined, while offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius practiced fully for the second consecutive day.
James Houston also made significant progress after being limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury. The veteran edge rusher was listed as a full participant Thursday.
James Houston was a full participant today. pic.twitter.com/UzXGEyyPOn
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 17, 2026 What's New
Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown remain sidelined
Hooker was once again listed as a non-participant because of a forearm injury. The veteran safety did not practice Wednesday either, leaving him with two consecutive DNPs to begin the week. That makes Friday’s practice particularly important for Hooker’s status heading into Sunday’s game.
Hooker has been an experienced presence in Dallas’ secondary and has spent much of his career as a starting-caliber safety. His availability would give the Cowboys another veteran option on the back end against Washington.
Overshown also remained out Thursday with a hamstring injury after missing Wednesday’s practice.
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The linebacker was dealing with the same hamstring issue coming out of the Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. He was listed as questionable before that game and had a significant role in Dallas’ defensive plans.
With Overshown now missing the first two practices of Week 2, Friday’s participation level could provide a clearer indication of whether he has a realistic chance of playing Sunday.
James Houston makes encouraging progress
Houston’s status moved in the opposite direction.
After being limited Wednesday because of a shoulder injury, Houston was upgraded to a full participant Thursday.
That is an important development for a Cowboys defense that struggled to consistently pressure the Giants in Week 1.
Houston has experience as an edge rusher and linebacker and was brought into Dallas’ defensive rotation to provide additional pass-rush ability. His full participation Thursday suggests the shoulder issue did not prevent him from taking part fully in practice.
However, being a full participant Thursday does not by itself guarantee that Houston will be active Sunday. The Cowboys’ final injury report will provide the official game designation.
Ajani Cornelius remains fully available
Cornelius was again listed as a full participant despite a knee injury.
The offensive tackle also practiced fully Wednesday, meaning there has been no reported limitation in his participation through the first two practices of the week.
That is useful news for Dallas’ offensive line as the Cowboys prepare to face Washington’s defensive front.
Cornelius is competing for an important depth role along the offensive line, and his continued full participation indicates the knee issue has not affected his practice workload so far.
Washington has a much longer injury list
The Commanders had 12 players listed on their Thursday injury report, although several were full participants.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and linebacker Frankie Luvu did not practice, while tight end Chig Okonkwo also remained out. Those three players were joined by several limited participants, including Dorance Armstrong, K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaylin Lane, Charles Omenihu and Odafe Oweh.
Running back Kaytron Allen, safety Tyler Owens and kicker Chris Paul practiced fully.
Defensive tackle Daron Payne also received a notable upgrade, moving from limited Wednesday participation to full participation Thursday.
For Dallas, the biggest developments remain the status of Hooker and Overshown, along with Houston’s progression.
The Cowboys will release their final injury report Friday, when the teams must provide their official game designations for Sunday’s matchup.
Cowboys vs. Commanders is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026.
