Cowboys Training Camp: DeMarvion Overshown’s Road to Recovery

OXNARD, Calif. — There was a shadow on the field during Wednesday’s training camp practice. And no, it wasn’t from the Southern California sun. Next to Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus during team drills was linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Where Eberflus went, Overshown followed. When Eberflus looked at his play call sheet and radioed in a selection, Overshown would turn to his matching play call sheet, too. The one time the shadow left was when Overshown went to celebrate with teammates after a couple of turnovers were forced.

Brian Schottenheimer talked today about how DeMarvion Overshown can be an active participant while watching practice. He has a call sheet and he’s in the hip pocket of Matt Eberflus discussing plays before and after. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/C6nbFPxNU4

For Overshown, it’s about doing the most he can while he’s still limited after a second torn ACL in the last two seasons. And he’s not the only one who sees value in it. “Because you can’t practice, but you can still watch and learn,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said before Wednesday’s practice. “And again, Flus is really excited about spending some time with D-Mo.”

Schottenheimer said this type of embedded learning is the next step for Overshown in his recovery. Last season, prior to his Dec. 9 torn ACL, Overshown was a player who impressed with significant flashes. His speed was noticeable as he flew around the field. The highlight of his early NFL career came against the New York Giants, when he blitzed, disengaged with an overmatched blocker, tipped a pass to himself, caught it and ran for a touchdown. It was even known to awe Tom Brady calling the game in the booth above.

Amidst his flashes, Overshown also showed moments of being the young linebacker that he is. Coaches on last year’s staff wanted Overshown to slow the game down at times in the hopes of lowering his missed tackle rate. He had 19 missed tackles in 13 games last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Being away from the field and watching could have some benefit for Overshown.

The Cowboys, however, are excited for when he can return to the field. Overshown has targeted a return for the Thanksgiving home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He posted last week that he received good medical news from the team doctors, making that potential return date even more possible. But for now, he’ll stay in the hip pocket of Eberflus. He may even call a play or two as the Cowboys eye him to be a green dot signal caller in Eberflus’ system.

“It’s not just quarterbacks that radio plays in,” Schottenheimer said. “He can make certain calls: ‘Stud 51,’ whatever. I think that’s the next step. … Now it’s about you can still lead from the sideline, and you can still be the green dot or whatever it is by spending time, and Flus is all excited about doing that, which I think it’ll be great — not just for their relationship but for D-Mo being locked in to what we’re trying to do defensively.”

Other Observations from Training Camp

Here are some other observations from the second day of Cowboys training camp: Schottenheimer wanted a physical training camp. He didn’t want it to become as physical as it’s become, however. The Cowboys had a scuffle for the second-straight practice on Wednesday. This one started between safety Markquese Bell and rookie tight end Tyler Neville. Bell threw a punch and hit cornerback Troy Pride in the neck. Pride required some attention from the trainers before he started jogging on the field next to where team drills were happening. Schottenheimer told the team that if anyone threw another punch, they would be sent off the field.

Breakout Coming?

The George Pickens trade is the one that got attention this offseason, and rightfully so, but another deal is looking better and better for the Cowboys with each passing day. Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, acquired alongside a 2025 sixth-round pick for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick, has been Dallas’ most consistent corner this offseason. He had a pass breakup in every practice of minicamp and OTAs viewable to the media. He also dropped multiple interceptions. On Wednesday, he had a chance and didn’t miss it, catching a diving interception off a throw from Dak Prescott. The corner room is uncertain for the Cowboys, but for now, Elam has been a consistent player.

Hold-in Continues?

Micah Parsons once again didn’t practice after participating in warmups. Parsons, awaiting a new extension, wouldn’t define his status as a hold-in when he met with the media on Tuesday. He said he’s dealing with back tightness and won’t practice until he’s ready. Schottenheimer didn’t disclose whether Parsons is having treatment for his back.

Happy Man

CeeDee Lamb wasn’t at last year’s training camp as he held out for a new deal. That’s why he said he’s one of the happiest players on the team to be back at camp in Oxnard. He also feels “1,000%” healthy after a season where he was banged up the most in his career. Lamb looks the part, too. He had the highlight play of the day when he took a short pass from Prescott and then made multiple Cowboys defenders miss. He even held the ball out to Kemon Hall at one point, who swiped at it, only for Lamb to hand it off to his other hand behind his back.

After that play, fellow receiver George Pickens — inseparable from Lamb so far in camp — met Lamb in the endzone to unveil their new handshake celebration. They practiced it for two days, Lamb said. In it, they pretend to throw hand grenades before running off and holding their ears, just as NBA player Ja Morant has done. Lamb said they planned to do the celebration in games, and if they’re fined for it, then he would pay the fine.

Multiple Jobs

KaVontae Turpin didn’t work in the backfield on Wednesday like he did on Tuesday, but he did show off some versatility. He made a contested catch on a seam pass from Prescott against tight coverage. Turpin continues to play bigger than his size — will his role get bigger, too?

Over the Top

Schottenheimer confirmed that defensive end Sam Williams had to stop practicing on Tuesday because he was being too physical without pads on. He leveled Neville to the ground on one play