The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to jump-start their defense by moving play-caller Christian Parker from the sidelines to the booth and bringing in veteran Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant, but coaching adjustments are only part of the equation. The players still have to execute, and in order to do that, they must be on the field. Fans received good news regarding two members of this unit, as a Sunday night road matchup versus the Green Bay Packers fast approaches.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. both made notable progress during Thursday's practice, per ESPN NFL Nation's Todd Archer.

Overshown, who has been sidelined since mid September with a hamstring strain, was a limited participant after missing Wednesday's session. He had not reached that benchmark to this point, so this is quite the encouraging update. Porter was a full-go and may even avoid a snap count. The former Pittsburgh Steelers CB missed last Thursday's home loss versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a sudden illness.

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Both men have only suited up once for the Cowboys this season. If they can maintain a steady presence on the gridiron moving forward, the Dallas defense should theoretically look better. Their problems run deeper than the health of just one or two players, but any good fortune can help this group.

Dallas (2-3) ranks last with 168.4 rushing yards allowed per game and is giving up the 21st most passing yards this season (227.0). DeMarvion Overshown and Joey Porter Jr. will do their best to nurse each of those ailing metrics, assuming they are both in action against the Packers (3-2).