In light of the unfortunate news regarding Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown being sidelined for the entire season, and possibly into 2025, maintaining an optimistic perspective on the linebacker position is quite challenging, if not impossible.
However, there are still a couple of players worth discussing: a rookie and a third-year linebacker who has been largely overlooked. These two could emerge as significant storylines in the Cowboys’ final four games of the season, beginning in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers.
Liufau, a fifth-round rookie, has gained considerable recognition for his football intelligence. After stepping in for Overshown on Monday, he recorded 1.5 sacks. He is now anticipated to take on a larger role as the “next man up,” teaming up with Kendricks as starters.
“He’s performed well all year,” Zimmer mentioned to the media. “Clearly, he’s going to see more playing time now. He has a solid grasp of our system, playing in various positions, making calls, and executing checks effectively.”
On the other hand, there’s Damone Clark, who has largely been sitting on the bench and has even been inactive for several games despite starting 17 times last season. He seems to have fallen out of favor in Mike Zimmer’s defense. Since the bye week, he hasn’t seen any defensive snaps in three of the five games and has totaled just 21 snaps, with most coming during a significant loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, Clark has the opportunity to step up behind Liufau and veteran Eric Kendricks. Although he may not start, he should have a chance to take the field. Notably, Clark filled various linebacker roles last year for Dallas, something that position coach Scott McCurley acknowledged in the offseason. He is a player to keep an eye on during the closing games.
Clark is under contract through 2025, so increased playing time could serve him well for future evaluations.
