Cowboys' Risky Bet on Injury-Prone Linebacker Overshown

Dallas has yet to add insurance behind the talented but oft-injured defensive playmaker.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football linebacker in the midst of a tackle, with the player's body and the ball carrier fragmented into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Cowboys' team colors of navy blue, silver, and white.The Cowboys' high-stakes gamble on the injury-prone but talented linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could make or break their defensive plans.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys are taking a major gamble by relying on linebacker DeMarvion Overshown as a defensive centerpiece, despite his history of two season-ending injuries in his first three NFL seasons. Overshown showed promise as a rookie, but the team has yet to add any depth or insurance at the position, leaving them vulnerable if he suffers another setback.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense has struggled in recent years, and Overshown was expected to be a building block. But his injury history raises serious concerns about whether he can stay healthy enough to be a reliable contributor. Dallas' lack of contingency planning at linebacker could come back to haunt them if Overshown misses significant time again.

The details

Overshown, a 2024 draft pick, had an impressive rookie season with 90 total tackles and 5.0 sacks. However, he then suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 14, tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL and missing the rest of the season. He also missed the first 10 games of the 2025 season recovering from that injury. In his limited 2025 action, Overshown showed flashes of his potential, with a 77.7 PFF pass-rush grade and two pressures in six games. But the Cowboys have yet to add any depth at linebacker, leaving them dangerously thin at the position.

  • Overshown tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in Week 14 of the 2024 season.
  • Overshown missed the first 10 games of the 2025 season recovering from his knee injury.

The players

DeMarvion Overshown

A talented linebacker drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 who has shown promise but has struggled with major injuries, including two season-ending knee injuries in his first three NFL seasons.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will have to address their linebacker depth in the 2026 NFL Draft, either by selecting a player in the first round or trading up to acquire a top prospect at the position.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are taking a major risk by relying so heavily on the injury-prone Overshown as a defensive centerpiece. If he suffers another significant injury, Dallas' linebacker corps could be in serious trouble, highlighting the need for the team to add insurance and depth at the position.