Cowboys Injury Report: Dallas Rules Out Four Defenders for Ravens Clash

The Dallas Cowboys will enter their Week 3 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens significantly shorthanded on defense. According to an official injury report released Friday, Sept. 25, and confirmed by BaltimoreRavens.com, four key defensive contributors have been ruled out for Sunday's contest: safety Malik Hooker (forearm), cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring), defensive back P.J. Locke (foot), and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring). None of the four practiced on Friday, and no other players appeared on the report, leaving Dallas with a concentrated but critical set of absences.

A Secondary Stretched Thin

The loss of Hooker, Durant, and Locke strips the Cowboys of three rotational defensive backs just as they prepare to face a Ravens passing attack that thrives on vertical concepts and play-action shots. Hooker, a veteran ballhawk, has been a steadying presence on the back end, while Durant's speed and Locke's versatility have been valuable in subpackages. Without them, Dallas will likely lean on younger corners and safeties who have seen limited snaps in 2026. As highlighted on Vulius, matchups like these often decide games in the AFC-NFC cross-conference slate, and Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken will almost certainly test that depleted depth early.

Overshown's Absence Looms Large

Perhaps the most impactful loss is DeMarvion Overshown, whose hamstring injury sidelines one of Dallas's most dynamic second-level defenders. Overshown's sideline-to-sideline range and blitz ability have made him a focal point of the Cowboys' defensive evolution. Without him, the linebacker corps must compensate against a Ravens rushing attack that punishes hesitation. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Dallas may deploy more nickel and dime looks, sacrificing size for speed to contain quarterback Lamar Jackson on designed runs and scrambles.

Next Man Up Mentality

Head coach Mike McCarthy has consistently preached a 'next man up' philosophy, but this week that mantra faces a stern test. The Cowboys' depth has been a strength in recent seasons, yet asking unproven reserves to handle a Lamar Jackson-led offense on the road is a tall order. The team did not list any other players on the injury report, meaning the active roster is otherwise healthy—a silver lining Dallas must exploit. Expect increased roles for hybrid defensive backs and perhaps a heavier dose of veteran leadership from the front seven to mask the losses.

Fantasy and Betting Implications

From a fantasy perspective, Overshown's absence elevates the ceiling for Ravens running back Derrick Henry and tight end Mark Andrews, while Lamar Jackson's rushing floor gets a slight bump. Betting markets may adjust the spread toward Baltimore, though Dallas's offense—led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb—remains capable of keeping pace. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, injuries of this magnitude often create value opportunities for sharp bettors who act quickly before lines fully shift.

What to Watch on Sunday

All eyes will be on Dallas's makeshift secondary and how creatively defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer disguises coverages. If the Cowboys can generate pressure with four rushers, they can protect their replacements on the back end. If not, it could be a long afternoon in Baltimore. For die-hard fans and merchandise collectors alike, this game will reveal whether Dallas's depth is truly playoff-caliber. Stay tuned to Vulius for postgame analysis and exclusive Cowboys gear to represent your fandom all season long.