The Dallas Cowboys knew the trip to Brazil wouldn’t be easy. A defense that could fall apart, the Baltimore Ravens hungry for a win, and a stadium with tough grass conditions. But if that wasn’t enough, injury setbacks have added a new twist to this story. Even though Dallas came away with a win against the Commanders last week, the defense took plenty of hits. 

That has forced Brian Schottenheimer into making a few hard calls for the squad before Week 3. 

“We’ve got some guys there that might step up and help us in a couple different roles. But as we get into the plan, I think it’s going to be what this league is about, is next man up.” 

The latest update now puts four of their players back in Dallas while the rest of the team makes the trip down to Brazil. 

“The #Cowboys have ruled out CB Cobie Durant, S Malik Hooker, S P.J. Locke and LB DeMarvion Overshown for Sunday. They won’t travel to Brazil for the game against the #Ravens,” an X post by NFL insider Mike Garafolo on September 24 stated.

Per Dallas’ depth chart, Jalen Thompson, Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark are among the options expected to absorb snaps at safety. There is at least some relief at linebacker, with Jaishawn Barham and Dee Winters available after dealing with minor injuries. Barham, who started at middle linebacker in Overshown’s absence against Washington, is in line to continue filling that role, while Shemar James gives Dallas another option at linebacker.

But how long will this defensive test last, especially with starters on the sidelines? Let’s break it down. 

CB Cobie Durant

Durant’s injury looked worrying during the Week 2 win. During one play, Durant went to the ground, but he wasn’t injured. But when teammate Markquese Bell stepped on his groin, Durant went to the blue tent and didn’t return to the field.

While rumors suggested he would need surgery, Durant later confirmed the injury isn’t as serious, and it’s only a hamstring strain, keeping him off the injury reserve. 

And even though he won’t travel with the squad, he’s already on the mend. Per head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Durant did some rehab practice on Wednesday, bringing some good news for the Cowboys. In the meantime, Sharon Revel will be the likely replacement at cornerback

S P.J. Locke

Starting in place of Hooker against the Washington Commanders in Week 2, Locke lasted only three defensive snaps before suffering a non-contact foot injury in the second quarter. It was later diagnosed as a torn plantar fascia.

Schottenheimer, however, suggested a complete tear could actually shorten the recovery process. “It’s pretty sore for a week, and then it begins to heal much quicker when you tear it fully,” Schottenheimer said.

In any case, even though Locke hasn’t landed on the IR, he will be out for a few weeks to fully heal the tear. 

S Malik Hooker

Malik Hooker has been on the sidelines ever since he suffered a forearm fracture back in Week 1 against the Giants. That was enough to derail any hopes he had of starting in Week 2, and it looks like that will be the case for the coming games. 

Unlike Durant, Hooker didn’t practice on Wednesday. And per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, we might not see him return to the field for a while. “While some breaks can mean a player is out six weeks, the hope is based on the specific bone and break, it’s quicker than that.”

Per head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s estimate, that could be shorter. “It sounds like it’s one that doesn’t require as long of a period of time ​​so we’re hoping it’s a two-week window.”

LB DeMarvion Overshown

Overshown also went down in Week 1, suffering a hamstring strain in the second half that forced him out early. On September 14, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer estimated that Overshown would miss one to two weeks, putting a potential return around Week 4.

In his place, the Cowboys will bring in Jaishawn Barham, with DC Christian Parker feeling confident about the rookie. “I don’t think anyone in our building has any doubt about what (Barham) is gonna do coming real soon. We got a lot of confidence in Jaishawn.” 

A Silver Lining for Cowboys Nation

For now, Dallas does not have the luxury of waiting. With four defenders ruled out and multiple starters and key contributors unavailable, the Cowboys will have to patch together a depleted unit against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s offense.

Baltimore, however, is not arriving at full strength either. The Ravens have their own offensive concerns, particularly along an offensive line that has already shown some inconsistency protecting Lamar Jackson and holding up in pass protection.

The injury report only adds to that uncertainty. Zay Flowers was listed as a DNP with a hamstring injury, Chris Moore was limited by an ankle issue, and Ronnie Stanley did not practice because of a toe injury. So while Dallas enters Brazil short-handed on defense, the Baltimore Ravens have injury questions of their own heading into Sunday’s matchup.