There is no sugarcoating that the Dallas Cowboys' defense has been dreadful this season. It ranks 31st in defensive EPA and defensive success ranks, and it is dead last in both categories by a considerable margin on third down.
It’s impossible to blame one person for a failure of that magnitude. Coaches, the front office, and players all share responsibility. That said, injuries have clearly played a role. This roster wasn’t built to withstand the war of attrition that is the NFL season, but as the second half kicks off, reinforcements are finally on the way.
The Cowboys have activated star linebacker DeMarvion Overshown from the PUP list, putting him in line to make his season debut Monday night against the Raiders. They have also activated rookie cornerback Shavon Revel from the NFI list. It's not a sure thing that Revel plays in the game, but his NFL debut is right around the corner.
Cowboys activate defenders DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel
official: it’s time. ⏰
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) November 11, 2025
DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel have both been activated from IR by the #Cowboys.
📝 a long road back to the field for both, and Agent 0 has shown what he can be when healthy at the NFL level. pic.twitter.com/2qhQu1bDuv
Overshown and Revel's respective 21-day practice windows were set to close on Wednesday. They would be out for the season if they weren't activated. While not surprising, their respective returns could change everything for Dallas in the second half of the season.
Cowboys fans know what Overshown can be when healthy. Coming into the season, he was ranked as the 8th-best linebacker in the NFL by executives, coaches, and scouts. That is serious praise for a player who has only been able to play in 12 games in two seasons because of injuries.
The Cowboys have arguably had the worst linebacker play of any team this season. Overshown's speed and overall knack for making plays will be a godsend, though Dallas fans shouldn't expect him to rediscover his All-Pro form right away.
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Now, Overshown is that much of a freak (complimentary) that he may hit the ground running, but the most important thing is him getting through the remaining eight games with a clean bill of health. Either way, his return -- coupled with the arrival of Logan Wilson -- should mean fewer snaps for Kenneth Murray. That alone will raise the floor of Matt Eberflus' defense.
The same goes for Revel, who may or may not play on Monday night. The third-round pick out of East Carolina suffered a setback with his ACL rehab over the summer. He has looked springy in practice since the team opened his 21-day window a few weeks ago.
A cornerback rotation of DaRon Bland, Reddy Steward, Shavon Revel, and Caelen Carson, who quietly played well in his first game back from injury against the Cardinals, looks far more reliable than one that has leaned on Trikweze Bridges and Kaiir Elam for significant snaps.
A 3-5-1 hole might be too deep to climb out of, but the returns of Overshown and Revel, as well as veterans like Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson, should give the Cowboys a chance to be competitive as they hit the most difficult stretch of their schedule.