Cowboys Hit With Double Injury Blow as Key Players Face Lengthy Absences After Commanders Game

America’s Team finally has what it painstakingly wanted for a long time: a statement victory. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20, a margin wide enough to keep them happy for the next game. However, the joy will be marred by the two potential absences of key players.

Cowboys defenders P.J. Locke and Cobie Durant had both been ruled out in the Commanders game, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota.

Locke sustained a foot injury on third down during Washington’s first drive of the game. He appeared to be closing in on Rachaad White after the running back caught a short pass from Jayden Daniels before suddenly pulling up. Fans initially had hopes of him returning, as even though he needed help, he walked off the field slowly after getting injured with 8:48 remaining in the first half on a non-contact play. He then underwent an X-ray, and the fans soon got clarity.

Machota posted a picture of Locke where the safety is spotted in a walking boot. 

Durant went down with a rather peculiar injury in the second quarter. He was on the ground on his chest, with no knowledge of what was happening behind him. Also unaware was teammate Markquese Bell, who was walking backwards towards the cornerback’s direction. Unfortunately. Bell seemed to step over Durant’s groin area. Durant was helped up, but was in visible pain.

However, we now know that Durant is actually out with a hamstring injury.

Both injuries will affect the Cowboys’ upcoming matchup.

The Cowboys have already been in a sticky spot at the safety and linebacker positions after Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown went down in a Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Locke had stepped in to replace Hooker.

Locke was Dallas’ second-most-used safety in Week 1 against the Giants, playing 28 snaps compared with Jalen Thompson’s 63. He also has a long history with defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Locke was with the Denver Broncos when the DC was the team’s defensive backs coach.

Durant, on the other hand, came with a lot of hope as Dallas signed him this offseason to a one-year deal worth $4 million. The veteran was among the key new additions to the revamped Dallas defense.

Durant did not leave history to speak for himself. He proved himself in the Cowboys’ squad in the offseason. 

“My defensive MVP from camp was Cobie Durant,” reported Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. “The Cowboys struggled mightily with forcing turnovers and getting their hands on balls a year ago. In fact, they were last in pass breakups — even behind a New York Jets team that had zero interceptions all season. Durant has seven interceptions and 26 pass breakups in his four-year career. He had a diving interception in OTAs in 7-on-7 and he had a diving pass breakup on Tuesday, as well.”

Durant was among the few good Dallas players from Week 1. He delivered even when most of the defense didn’t. He allowed just one reception on three targets, in 26 coverage snaps, which earned him a 73.4 coverage grade. Sports Illustrated had predicted the CB would shut down his side of the field against the Commanders.

Besides Locke and Durant, starter Dee Winters also got injured in the second quarter. With every injury, the seat is getting hotter for head coach Brian Schottenheimer. 

Brian Schottenheimer Faces More Pressure in Year 2

Moving into his second year, Schottenheimer had some plans to script a turnaround this year. Accordingly, he chose Overshown as the Green Dot leader. But the universe had some other plans. Overshown exited the game in Week 1 with a hamstring injury. 

Schottenheimer counted highly on him, as he comes off as a package of speed and athleticism that allows him to cover the field from sideline to sideline. He can contribute as a pass rusher when needed, and his background at safety gives him the coverage skills to make plays in the secondary. 

Overshown is now expected to miss 1-2 weeks with a hamstring issue. Yes, it’s not that long, but given the player’s injury issues, it might just be the start. Meanwhile, the water is already reaching the boiling point in Dallas. 

“The Joneses have actually given head coaches long leashes dating back to the end of the Dave Campo era,” said Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon. “Jerry might be losing patience, though. They could blow it all up if Schottenheimer posts a second straight losing season in 2026.”

Schottenheimer is now 8-10-1 overall after Week 2. The Week 1 loss ramped up the doubts, with Week 2 injuries adding to more uncertainty. 

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