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Two promising rookies for the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and tight end John Stephens, have been ruled out for the entire 2023 NFL season.
Both players suffered devastating torn ACL injuries, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
The Cowboys faced the Seattle Seahawks in their second preseason game, a match that ended in a 22-14 defeat for the Cowboys. However, the loss on the scoreboard pales in comparison to the significant losses suffered on the personnel front.
Overshown, a third-round draft pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, had been making significant strides in training camp and was on the radar of head coach Mike McCarthy. Unfortunately, his promising start was abruptly halted during the game at Lumen Field.
In the first quarter, Overshown sustained a left knee injury while making a tackle. Though he managed to walk off the field with his own power, it became apparent that the injury was severe. He was later carted off the sideline and into the tunnel for further evaluation.
DeMarvion Overshown looked to be fine right after making this tackle but then he grabbed his left knee pic.twitter.com/DBqta2gc2e
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2023
Similarly, the undrafted rookie free agent, John Stephens Jr., had been showing promise as a potential contributor to the team’s depth chart.
Signed from Louisiana, Stephens was considered a contender for a spot in the tight end room. But he, like Overshown, underwent MRI scans on Sunday upon their return to Dallas, confirming the extent of their injuries.
Both rookies will wait until 2024 to possibly make their regular season debut in the NFL.