Brian Schottenheimer's optimistic timeline for DeMarvion Overshown's return from a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 1 has not materialized. The fourth-year linebacker has missed the last five games, and in his wake, Overshown left the disaster that has been Dee Winters to take his place.
But Overshown is finally ready to return to action for the Cowboys' Week 7 NFC East primetime bout against a struggling Philadelphia Eagles team. And that will, or at least should, help with Dallas' rampant defensive issues thus far during the 2026 NFL season. A needle must be threaded, however.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham, who was always a flower that needed watering after changing positions in the NFL, has really emerged in Overshown's absence, taking full control of the middle linebacker job. So, Christian Parker must not let Overshown's return get in the way of Barham's rise at MIKE.
DeMarvion Overshown's return is timely and will help Cowboys' defense
Given how badly Winters has struggled, both with missed tackles and in coverage (outside of a Week 6 interception), the hope was that Overshown could take over and help put out a better product in the middle of the defense.
Winters hurt his Achilles on Sunday Night Football, though, and it is unlikely that he suits up for this week's standalone game. While Overshown was initially thought to just be returning as an upgrade, he is actually badly needed with the linebacker corps short-staffed once again.
Justin Barron is a solid player, but he can't do what Overshown can on the field. And if the latter is truly healthy, perhaps fans start to see some glimpses of his 2025 self again. After all, this is a player we were talking about as an extension candidate not that long ago.
Again, though, the Cowboys need to toe the line. Overshown has always been better suited for a WILL role rather than being the green-dot middle linebacker, and hopefully, with how well Barham has been playing at MIKE, the two can play side by side in more advantageous positions.
Dallas can't let DeMarvion Overshown get in the way of Jaishawn Barham's rise
Barham has had some incredible moments thus far in his Cowboys career, dominating in the preseason, going toe-to-toe with Derrick Henry at the line of scrimmage and contributing in a major way in both of Dallas' 2026 wins.
But he is a textbook run-stuffing inside backer with some pass-rush ability that dates back to his college days on the edge. Overshown is a bit lighter and more athletic, with the ability to play in space, so he should be on the weak side more.
With Winters likely sidelined, this adjustment feels obvious. But if Winters were playing, it would have raised the question of who Overshown would replace, and the Cowboys would have been foolish to consider returning the latter to the middle while their rookie third-rounder is thriving.
Luckily, Dallas should have an easy decision in Week 7 when they travel to face the Eagles. But when Winters returns, the Cowboys need to make sure that they aren't getting in their own way by putting Overshown back at MIKE instead of Barham.
Rotate them, sure. But these lines need to be drawn.
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