The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will be a savior of sorts for their extremely vulnerable defense, but one incoming player may not be enough to make a noticeable difference. This squad is becoming painfully shorthanded, particularly on the side of the ball where it already struggles significantly. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has not played since Week 1, and he is not returning for Sunday afternoon's game versus the Houston Texans.

The 2023 third-round draft pick is being ruled out, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. Overshown suffered a hamstring injury in Dallas' 28-20 loss to the New York Giants and is still working his way back to serviceable health. Thankfully, he has not had a setback. The 26-year-old off-ball LB is just not ready for in-game action.

Since the Cowboys have a short turnaround and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, it could be beneficial to keep Overshown on the sidelines for this upcoming matchup in Reliant Stadium. Hamstring issues are unpredictable, and playing twice in a five-day span produces greater risk.

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Besides wanting him healthy — played in only 20 games in first three seasons — Dallas also needs Overshown to perform at an effective level when he is active. The former Texas Longhorns star missed two tackles against the Giants, per Pro Football Focus, and scuffled in coverage. When he does return, DeMarvion Overshown must become a part of the defensive solution, not the ongoing problem.

The Cowboys will exclude him from the game plan for now, though. They battle a Texans offense that is preparing to welcome back star wide receiver Nico Collins. Opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.