Week one could not have gone worse for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys. After a disappointing 2025 season, a lot of the same issues that kept the Cowboys out of the playoffs in 2025 reared their ugly head to kickoff 2026.
With week one now in the rearview, the Cowboys turn their attention to the Washington Commanders in week two for their home opener. Both teams are a bit banged up heading into the game, which has dominated headlines heading into the weekend.
Updates: Cowboys elevate 2 linebackers – DallasCowboys.com
With DeMarvion Overshown expected to miss some
time dealing with a hamstring injury, the Cowboys call in reinforcements from the practice squad to get through week two. It is not clear on how much time Overshown will miss, but for this week the Cowboys elected going the practice squad call-up route over signing a veteran.
The Cowboys have elevated LB Curtis Robinson and LB Justin Barron from the practice squad to the active roster for Dallas’ Week 2 game against the Commanders on Sunday.
With DeMarvion Overshown out due to a hamstring injury, the Cowboys give themselves depth options at the linebacker position. Both Robinson and Barron can also contribute on special teams.
On Friday, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said rookie LB Jaishawn Barham would be wearing the green dot in Overshown’s absence.
NFL announces fines for 3 Dallas Cowboys players after Week 1 loss to New York Giants – SportsDay Staff, The Dallas Morning News
Multiple Cowboys received hefty fines after their week one 20-28 loss to the New York Giants. Some were expected, but some were a bit of a surprise.
The NFL unveiled its list of Week 1 fines Saturday afternoon. [Javonte] Williams was officially fined $11,941 for what the league called “unsportsmanlike conduct – taunting.”
Cowboys outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also received fines from the NFL. Ezeiruaku was fined $11,941 for a facemask in the fourth quarter of the Giants matchup. Overshown was fined $9,527 for a late hit on quarterback Jaxson Dart in the second quarter.
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Cowboys linebackers, safeties will be tested against Commanders – Sean Martin, Blogging the Boys
The Cowboys defense struggled mightily in week one. What areas of the Cowboys defense will be put to the test against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders offense in week two?
The Cowboys will lose to the Commanders if… the middle of their defense does not play better.
Cowboys fans are all too familiar with this team’s defense being indifferent to getting great, or just good enough, play at safety. Come to think of it, it’s been a little while since they’ve been strong at linebacker too, with last year being the absolute crater of a low point at this position especially. Defensive tackle is the spot they’ve put the most recent work in, and unfortunately this group also left a ton to be desired against the Giants.
‘That’s What Gives You An Edge’: DeMarcus Ware Points To Von Miller’s Dallas Cowboys Advantage Against Washington Commanders – Dallas Sports Journal
Von Miller made his Cowboys debut in week one playing just 11 snaps in their 20-28 loss. Long-time Cowboy DeMarcus Ware points to Miller being a key factor in week two, against the team he played with in 2025, the Washington Commanders.
Ahead of Saturday’s eighth annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic, DeMarcus Ware spoke to reporters about the state of the Dallas Cowboys heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Washington Commanders.
He touched on the impact of Von Miller, with whom he won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos after the 2015 season. Miller played for Washington last season. Ware predicts that Dallas will lean on Miller’s veteran leadership and insight as the Cowboys hope to even their record to 1-1 after a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants to start the season.
Cowboys Film Room: How Dallas Can Avoid Jayden Daniels Problems Vs. Commanders in Week 2
The Cowboys have had problems slowing down mobile quarterbacks in the past, and week one showed similar results. What does the film tell us the Cowboys will need to do in week two in order to slow down Jayden Daniels?
New York found more than one weak spot in Dallas’ 28-20 loss.
The Giants hit multiple zone coverages, kept finding free yards underneath and gave Jaxson Dart enough time to wait for mistakes to develop.
Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders get the next shot Sunday.
For Parker, Week 2 is about adjustments.
