The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2026 season with a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, but the defeat was made worse by injuries to linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker. Overshown left early in the fourth quarter with a hamstring issue and was ruled questionable to return, adding another concern to a Dallas defense that had its issues throughout the opener.

Overshown was injured while moving toward Giants running back Cam Skattebo. After taking several steps, he grabbed at his right hamstring and was helped off the field for evaluation.

After the game, head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided an update on Overshown, saying the injury appeared to be a hamstring issue, but the team did not yet know the full severity.

During his first three seasons in Dallas, Overshown has already missed 32 games. The Cowboys selected him in the third round, 90th overall, out of Texas in 2023, but a torn left ACL during training camp ended his rookie season. In 2024, he suffered tears to the ACL, MCL and PCL in his right knee against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dallas activated him in November 2025, and he played six games that season.

Before leaving Sunday night's game, Overshown was part of a defense that had trouble containing New York's rushing attack. The Giants produced 145 rushing yards on 28 attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, while collecting 10 first downs on the ground. New York had 357 total yards through 7:06 of the fourth quarter.

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Overshown's departure also forced Dallas to turn to rookie Jaishawn Barham, who was expected to wear the green-dot helmet and handle the defensive communication responsibilities with the veteran linebacker.

Meanwhile, Hooker also exited the game after suffering a forearm injury late in the third quarter. Schottenheimer said the safety may have fractured his forearm. PJ Locke replaced him after sharing the starting safety spot with Hooker on the Cowboys unofficial pregame depth chart.

Dallas finished the night with two sacks, six quarterback hits and four forced fumbles, recovering one. However, the Giants controlled possession for 31:19 and produced enough offense to secure the win.

Up next, the Cowboys will host the Washington Commanders in Week 2.