The Dallas Cowboys' 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders brought more concern to their defense. With a key Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens ahead, Dallas could now have more questions to answer on that side of the ball. 

Speaking to the media on Monday, September 21, at the Cowboys' headquarters in Frisco, Texas, Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said cornerback Cobie Durant and safety P.J. Locke could miss multiple weeks after suffering injuries in Dallas' Week 2 win over Washington. 

"Next man up," Schottenheimer said of Dallas' depth being tested. "That's real. I thought we used the elevations well for the linebackers. I think we're working some things potentially on defense, maybe in the secondary. We've got some guys there that might step up and help us in a couple different roles..." 

The Cowboys are heading into Week 3 after improving to 1-1 with their 37-20 win over Washington. Their next game is against the Baltimore Ravens on September 27 at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, with Dallas preparing for the international matchup on a short week, as per the Dallas Cowboys YouTube video.

Durant suffered a hamstring strain, while Locke tore the plantar fascia in his foot. Schottenheimer said the Cowboys have not finalized whether either player will be placed on injured reserve.

The Cowboys coach also provided some context on Locke's injury, saying a complete tear of the plantar fascia can begin healing faster after the initial soreness.

The Cowboys will now wait for further updates on Durant and Locke before deciding how to handle their Week 3 status. With both defensive backs potentially facing multiple weeks out, their availability remains a key part of Dallas' preparations for the Ravens.

The injuries to Durant and Locke are not the only concerns for Dallas' defense, with two more defensive starters also working their way back from injuries. 

Cowboys still waiting on Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown 

The Cowboys could also have to wait on safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown as they deal with separate injuries. Overshown is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Hooker is working his way back from a forearm injury that required surgery.

Schottenheimer has not ruled either player out for the Ravens game, although he acknowledged that the shorter week could make their return more difficult. 

"Could be tough just because it's a shorter week for us," Schottenheimer said. "Not saying no [yet]." 

Both players are continuing their respective rehabilitation, giving Dallas another pair of defensive injury situations to monitor before finalizing its Week 3 lineup.

With Hooker and Overshown still in the mix, Dallas will have to wait for further progress before determining whether either player can return against Baltimore.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj