The Dallas Cowboys have been hit with the injury bug in a pretty big way already this preseason. Just this weekend, Dallas lost two potential contributors to ACL tears, ending their seasons before it even got started.

One of those players that will be sidelined for all of the 2023 NFL season is rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown was impressing in training camp and looked to be on track to carving out an important role during his first season.

Unfortunately, he won't be able to contribute on the defense when the regular season kicks off. Which now puts the spotlight and focus on another linebacker that has dealt with his own injuries: Jabril Cox.

Cox fell in the draft, in part, due to his injury history on the collegiate level. But there has been high hopes for the versatile defender that excelled at North Dakota State and LSU.

The Cowboys linebacker was one of the highest graded defenders in the team's performance versus the Seattle Seahawks over the weekend. He made four tackles and showed signs of promise.

Dallas needs Jabril Cox to really step up and make a jump in 2023.

— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) August 20, 2023

Now with Overshown out of the picture for his rookie season, Cox has the opportunity to really show what he can do. But that also puts more on his plate, especially with Micah Parsons set to rush the passer at a likely higher rate.

Cox emerging as a defender that can be trusted on will be key for Dan Quinn and his defensive unit in 2023. That will be one of the biggest question marks leading up to week one versus the New York Giants.

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