Dallas plans to rely on three rookies in its defensive lineup against Baltimore on Sunday. Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham are expected to start, while Malachi Lawrence is projected to handle important plays as part of the rotation.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team intended to put its young players on the field in significant roles. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has created major turnovers when given playing time. Schottenheimer also pointed to Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability, while saying the rookies are still developing and will make mistakes.
The expanded assignments come with several Dallas defenders absent from Wednesday’s practice. Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke were among the defensive backs who did not take part, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also missed the session.
The sports.yahoo.com report did not give additional information about those absences. Downs and Barham are two of the Cowboys’ leading selections from the 2026 draft, while Lawrence is another member of that class.
