The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to use three rookies in prominent defensive roles when they face Baltimore on Sunday. Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham are expected to start, while Malachi Lawrence is set to handle important snaps as part of the rotation.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the plan is to give the team's young players substantial playing time. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has generated major turnovers whenever he has been on the field. Schottenheimer also highlighted Lawrence's pass-rushing ability, while noting that developing players are likely to make errors along the way.
The rookies' expanded responsibilities come after four Dallas defenders missed Wednesday's practice. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke were absent, as was linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. The report published by sports.yahoo.com gave no additional information about those absences. Dallas is scheduled to play Baltimore on Sunday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.
