Shemar James Gets Green Dot as Cowboys Make Surprising Change to Responsibilities vs. Eagles

A New Voice on Defense

Overshown wore the green dot in the Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to the New York Giants, then left the game with a hamstring injury. The role handles coach-to-player communications, and its arrangement has changed since his departure.

Although Overshown was expected to take back the responsibility against Philadelphia, team sideline reporter Kristi Scales reported that James will wear it instead. Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham was also considered a possible choice.

Linebacker Depth Tested

The Cowboys will be without starting linebacker Dee Winters against the Eagles. He suffered an Achilles strain in last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. Overshown and cornerback Cobie Durant are among the defensive players returning after missing multiple weeks with hamstring injuries. Dallas began the season 2-4, but a playoff berth remains within reach given the NFC East’s struggles.

James Brings Experience

Dallas selected James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 20 career games, including six starts, and recorded 104 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

James made 91 tackles as a rookie and played 544 defensive snaps that season. He has appeared in all six games this year.

Coach Praises Linebackers

After Winters’ injury, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he was pleased with how other linebackers had responded. He praised James and Justin Barron, who played in passing situations.

Schottenheimer said Barron handled a wheel route well after entering the game. James now has the green-dot assignment for the Eagles matchup, where he will have a chance to show whether he can meet the coach’s expectations.