The Cowboys’ defense has been one in all the NFL’s worst units this 12 months, to the purpose the team made two deadline-day deals — for Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams — to assist stabilize it. When those two players debut with Dallas, the team may have more reinforcements en route.
DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel are moving onto the 53-man roster Tuesday, in keeping with NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. The Cowboys will activate the third-year linebacker from the reserve/PUP list and the rookie third-round cornerback from the reserve/NFI list.
Each player’s 21-day activation clock would have expired today, a season-ending development, had the Cowboys not followed through with the expected activations. Each are expected to debut against the Raiders in Week 11, per WFAA’s Ed Werder. The team also placed safety Juanyeh Thomas on the reserve/non-football illness list, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson adds.
Overshown is getting back from a severe knee injury sustained in December 2024. The 2023 draftee has suffered two ACL tears since entering the NFL. Revel has been on the shelf since September 2024 after sustaining an ACL tear during his final East Carolina season. Next to nothing has gone right for the Cowboys’ defense this season, however the unit having 4 starter-level cogs returning directly does stand to supply a lift — because the club attempts to mount a last-ditch wild-card push.
While the subject of a 3-5-1 team being a deadline buyer has generated considerable debate, the Cowboys made that move by piecing together a surprising trade package — a 2027 first-rounder (the upper of Dallas’ two firsts), a 2026 second and defensive tackle Mazi Smith — to acquire Williams. As Williams will take his place as a D-line starter, Overshown has a path back to a first-string role at linebacker. He and Wilson will probably be tasked with helping that unit, which has been a low-priority position in Dallas for some time.
Week 11 has loomed as Overshown’s return point for a bit; he went down in Week 14 last season. Along with suffering his second ACL tear as a professional, Overshown sustained MCL and PCL tears to elongate his recovery timetable. A 2023 third-round pick, Overshown played well in a 13-game sample last season. He registered 90 tackles (eight for loss) and got here through with a formidable five sacks despite manning an off-ball LB role in Mike Zimmer‘s defense. Overshown has now had three weeks to practice in Matt Eberflus‘ defense.
Pro Football Focus ranks each Kenneth Murray and Shemar James as bottom-10 linebackers (amongst qualified options) this season. The Cowboys have Jack Sanborn on IR as well. Wilson and Overshown should see immediate playing time, though it could not surprise if the latter is brought along slowly. Still, this represents a key stretch for Overshown, who will need to point out sustained health if a lucrative second contract — from the Cowboys or one other team — is taken into account. He has missed 30 games through 2 1/2 seasons.
Revel’s debut was expected to begin sooner than Week 11. A return throughout the Cowboys’ first five games was viewed as likely, with an earlier report pegging September as in play. It might then stand to reason for Revel to be brought along slowly as well. Though, it can be interesting to see how cautious the Cowboys will probably be with each recovering talents, as they’re in peril of falling out of playoff contention — largely due to the defense’s struggles.
Viewed as a first-round talent before his injury, Revel still declared for the draft after his lost final college season. His return comes at an opportune time, as Trevon Diggs is on IR with a concussion. Diggs and DaRon Bland have struggled to remain healthy, and the Cowboys have fared poorly in coverage this season. Revel’s usage will probably be interesting to follow. While Diggs is more likely than to not be cut in 2026, Bland and Revel profile as a possible long-term tandem.