Assuming, of course, that the grades and rankings at Pro Football Focus (PFF) are not the end-all, be-all of player evaluation but do offer a representative look at how players are performing, it’s safe to say that no team employs less productive linebackers than the Dallas Cowboys—especially with DeMarvion Overshown injured again to start this season.
According to PFF, Jack Sanborn is rated No. 55 out of 82 NFL linebackers, making him the best linebacker on the Cowboys’ roster. However, Sanborn is currently on injured reserve (IR) and has played the fewest snaps among the team’s trio of linebackers, which includes Kenneth Murray and Shemar James. Things get worse from there: Murray ranks No. 78, and James is rated 81st out of 82.
Given these rankings, news that Logan Wilson (No. 58) is joining the Cowboys to bolster their linebacking corps was welcomed ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Addressing the media later that evening, head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared even more positive news: Overshown is slated to return to the field after the Week 10 bye.
### DeMarvion Overshown Slated for Return
The Cowboys made headlines on Tuesday not just for acquiring Wilson, but primarily for adding Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams—a three-time Pro Bowler turning 28 next month and ranked No. 7 out of 124 defensive linemen at PFF.
Wilson and Williams will need to be integrated into what figures to be an entirely revamped Cowboys defense, arriving just in time. Dallas currently ranks 31st in the NFL in points allowed (277) and yards allowed (3,577).
Schottenheimer confirmed that Overshown would join the lineup in Week 11, with rookie defensive back Shavon Revel also a possibility to see playing time. Overshown is making his comeback following a massive knee injury (torn ACL, PCL, and MCL) he suffered in December 2024.
“We got a lot of guys coming back from injuries as well,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s not just that it falls on these two guys, it’s getting some guys back from injuries. D-Mo should be back this week. The safeties are starting to look healthier and Revel. So, it’s the right time for us, the right time for a bye. Very pleased with what we did today.”
### Cowboys’ Quinnen Williams Move Bolsters Defensive Front
The Cowboys faced the Jets back in Week 5, and Schottenheimer noted that their experience playing against Williams helped boost confidence that he can immediately help Dallas.
“We’ve played him a couple of times, played him a couple of weeks ago. He’s just a difference-maker,” Schottenheimer said. “The ability to affect the interior of the pocket from a pass-rush standpoint—12 sacks a couple years ago. Very disruptive for us.
“There are certain calls you make where you’re aware when he’s in the game because he’s so disruptive. We had alerting calls when he’s out of the game. We had set protections based on him. You guys see it. You see the talent. But I love the play style, the way the guy plays, the way he runs to the football.”
### Cowboys Trade Price Was High
The price to acquire Williams, however, was steep, and the Cowboys will need to swallow that cost.
Wilson had fallen out of the rotation with the Bengals, and Dallas gave up just a seventh-round pick to get him. But the Williams trade demanded a massive haul: a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027 (the better of the Cowboys’ or Packers’ pick that year), as well as 2023 draft bust Mazi Smith.
As the Cowboys look to rebuild their defense, these moves signal a clear commitment to improving a struggling unit—and with key players returning from injury, the team hopes to turn its season around soon.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/schottenheimer-injury-update-amid-trade-news/