Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense could soon be welcoming back one of its most dynamic young playmakers.
LB DeMarvion Overshown, who tore his ACL during the 2024 season, is reportedly nearing the opening of his 21-day practice window in the next one to two weeks.
The third-year linebacker out of Texas was expected to be a versatile weapon for DC Matt Eberflus, and his absence has been felt deeply through the first stretch of the season.
Dallas has struggled to find consistency in the second level of its defense, and Overshown’s potential return couldn’t come at a better time.
His speed, instincts, and ability to impact multiple phases of the game could be exactly what the Cowboys need to get back on track defensively.
When a player is designated to return from injured reserve, NFL teams have a 21-day window to evaluate him in practice before activating him to the 53-man roster.
During that time, the player can practice in full, giving coaches and medical staff a chance to assess his readiness without immediately using a roster spot.
For Overshown, the Cowboys are expected to open that window sometime within the next two weeks. If that happens next week, he could theoretically return as early as Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals.
However, with a bye week following in Week 10, Dallas may prefer to take a more cautious approach.
That would make Week 11 at the Las Vegas Raiders or Week 12 at home against the Philadelphia Eagles the more realistic targets for his official comeback.
This timeline gives Overshown valuable time to ramp up physically while familiarizing himself with Eberflus’ defensive scheme with actual on-the-field reps.
The Cowboys have learned the hard way in recent years that rushing players back from significant injuries often leads to setbacks.
With a long stretch of important NFC matchups looming after the bye, having Overshown fully ready for that slate would be ideal.
The Cowboys’ defense has shown flashes of competency this season, but one glaring weakness has been the lack of athleticism and range in the linebacker group.
That’s precisely what Overshown brings to the table.
His college tape at Texas showed a rare blend of speed, tackling ability, and coverage instincts, traits that translated perfectly into the breakout season he was injured in the middle of last season.
Dallas has especially struggled against mobile quarterbacks and pass-catching running backs.
Without a true “spy” linebacker, the defense has been vulnerable to extended plays and check-downs that move the chains.
Overshown’s ability to track quarterbacks laterally and close space in a hurry gives the Cowboys a much-needed counter to that issue.
Additionally, Overshown adds value as a pass rusher.
His burst and length allow him to blitz effectively off the edge or through interior gaps, creating disruption that complements the defensive line.
His presence could also allow Eberflus to get more creative with personnel groupings, disguising pressures and coverages that have become predictable without...
