The Cowboys are hoping that a handful of players returning to the lineup after previous injuries will provide a boost to their sagging defense, a unit which has yet to get out of the gate in 2026 under first-year coordinator Christian Parker. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Cobie Durant, for instance, have had all injury designations removed and are expected to suit up for Week 7's Monday night meeting with the division-rival Eagles.

But two other Dallas defenders will wait at least another week to get back on the field. Linebacker Marist Liufau and safety P.J. Locke, both of whom had their 21-day practice windows opened late in the week, will remain on injured reserve for the time being, the Cowboys announced over the weekend.

Neither traveled with the team to Philadelphia.

Liufau, the third-year Notre Dame product, had a strong showing in training camp but suffered a fractured forearm in the Cowboys' preseason finale. After returning to practice on Thursday and participating in full on both Friday and Saturday, the team has elected to give him some more time to ramp up before declaring him ready to make his season debut.

Locke sustained a torn plantar fascia in September and missed four games. The eighth-year veteran practiced with the team on Friday and Saturday, but was limited. He's played just 31 defensive snaps in his first season wearing the star.

Both will miss what has become a perhaps favorable matchup for the Dallas defense, thanks to a slew of Eagles injuries. Philadelphia's offense currently ranks 29th in the league in points per game, 31st in yards per game, and dead last in yards per play.