The Dallas Cowboys are adding last-minute reinforcements at linebacker ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

The moves come on the heels of the DeMarvion Overshown hamstring injury that will keep him out for at least one game, potentially two. To address the need, the Cowboys are using their first practice squad elevation of the year, promoting both Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron to the game-day roster.

The decision comes after Overshown suffered the hamstring injury in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Even though the Cowboys are banking on third-round rookie Jayshawn Barham to take his place, wear the green dot, and call the plays for the defense, they still need depth behind him.

What the Cowboys linebacker room looks like

As of right now, the Cowboys’ linebacker room is made up of Barham, the rookie who is expected to start at Mike, and Dee Winners, a veteran weakside linebacker who is likely going to start alongside him. Behind them sits backup Shemar James, a player the Cowboys have praised heading into this game. They have expressed confidence in James and his experience. He was the Cowboys’ leading tackler in 2025, which is not necessarily a compliment given the state of that defense, one of the worst in franchise history.

James has some upside. The problem with him is that he doesn’t bring the physicality and the size that Barham brings to the table to play Mike.

Why Cowboys elevated both

Robinson is seen by the coaching staff as more of a veteran and game-day-ready player. If he needs to take the field on defense, he has 29 career games under his belt, including 14 games played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 when he recorded 42 tackles. Robinson also brings significant special teams experience, having played 194 special teams snaps last season.

Meanwhile, Barron was a standout during the preseason. He can bring something to the table as part of the Cowboys’ special teams unit, drawing on extensive experience from his college days at Syracuse and a strong showing during the preseason.

Barron’s best training camp moment came against the Los Angeles Rams in a joint practice, when he recorded three interceptions against Rams quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford.

What the elevation means going forward

NFL teams are permitted to elevate two players per week from the practice squad and have them be part of the 48-man game-day roster. Each practice squad player is allowed to be elevated three times per season before they must be signed to the 53-man roster.

These are the first elevations the Cowboys make this season. Hopefully, they don’t have to see their elevated player take the field too often on Sunday, because that would mean the linebacker room stayed healthy. 

Still, it represents a real opportunity for both players heading into Week 2.