Practice Squad Linebackers Are Getting the Call. That's Where Dallas Is Right Now.

With Overshown's hamstring keeping him out, the Cowboys have gone to the practice squad for linebacker help. It is a roster move that tells you everything you need to know about where this position stands entering the week.

The linebacker room was already thin coming in. Last season only two linebackers logged meaningful snaps for this team, and the offseason did not add much cushion. Overshown was supposed to be the anchor — he drew honorable mention recognition among off-ball linebackers and was the clearest answer Dallas had at the position. Now he's unavailable, and the names filling the void are players who were not on the 53-man roster when the week started.

There is no easy characterization for what comes next at linebacker beyond: they are working with what they have. The players called up will get their reps and the coaching staff will manage the situation. That is the job. But it is worth noting that this is the third or fourth time in recent weeks that Dallas has had to patch a hole with whoever is next in line — at guard, at running back, and now here. The pattern is the same each time. The depth runs out, and someone from the practice squad gets elevated.

My read is that Overshown's timeline matters more than the callups themselves. If this is a short absence, Dallas can manage. If it stretches into multiple weeks, a position that was already borderline becomes a genuine liability on a defense that can't afford another one.