Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown Addresses Tragedy: ‘We Will Never Move On’
In a perfect world, all Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker DeMarvion Overshown would be talking about before his long awaited return would be how he’s come back from a second catastrophic knee injury in 3 years.
It’s not a perfect world, however, and Overshown didn’t mince words talking to the media on Friday, November 14, as he addressed what was top of mind and weighing on his heart — last week’s tragic suicide of 24-year-old Cowboys edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland.
The Cowboys play for the first time since Kneeland’s death on November 6 when they travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 11.
It will be Overshown’s first game back since tearing his ACL, PCL and MCL in Week 14 of the 2024 regular season.
“A brother, a teammate, and a great human, man … This is something that we we will never move on from,” Overshown told The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “This is something that we won’t just wake up tomorrow, and then everything is gonna be OK. … But it is one of those things where we got to pick it up and we got to move forward, and we got to keep Marshawn’s legacy alive. And that was smiling every day, enjoying the grit and the hard work that comes with this. That’s playing with the passion when we get out there with our brothers. And most importantly, that’s doing it the Marshawn Kneeland way, and that’s having fun while doing it. … We will keep his legacy alive, that’s for sure.”
Texas authorities said that after a brief car pursuit on Wednesday, November 5, ended at the Cowboys’ practice facility around 10:30 p.m., Kneeland exited his vehicle and fled on foot.
Three hours later, the police used drones to be able to identify Kneeland’s body in a portable restroom after he’d died of what was later determined to be a self inflicted gunshot wound.
Overshown Coming Back From Another Knee Injury
Overshown was at the end of of a breakout season in 2024 when he was hurt, with 90 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 8 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 pass deflections and one interception returned for a touchdown through 13 games.
It was his second consecutive season with a season-ending knee injury after tearing his ACL in the 2023 preseason, and while he will play Monday he will be on something of a “pitch count” according to Machota.
He’s actually ahead of schedule in his return, with the Thanksgiving Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs his initial targeted return.
“We talked about it, and that’s what you want to do coming off of any injury, especially for a guy that hasn’t played in 300 some days, just ramping them up and getting to it, Overshown said. “But we already know, man, it’s winning football time. So when the time comes, when the situation comes, if I’m at that play count or that limit, we already have made the conversation where, look, it’s a play that needs to be made, I got to be on the field.”
Cowboys Will Honor Kneeland With Helmet Decal
With the Cowboys on a bye in Week 10, NFL teams honored Kneeland with a moment of silence before their games. The Cowboys will wear a special helmet decal the rest of the season to honor Kneeland, as well as specially made warm up shirts before each of their next 2 games.
Detroit Lions Tight End Sam LaPorta Ruled Out For Week 11
Hold your fantasy football lineups, Lions fans. That collective groan you just heard was the sound of Detroit officially ruling out star Tight End Sam LaPorta for Sunday’s clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a gut punch, no two ways about it. LaPorta, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, has been battling a back injury and hasn’t seen the practice field all week.
The 24-year-old has been a reliable target for Jared Goff, racking up 489 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, making him second on the team in yardage. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the offense, and you can bet the Eagles’ defense is breathing a little easier today.
LaPorta Sidelined: What’s Next For the Lions?
So, who steps up when your stud tight end is in street clothes? Head Coach Dan Campbell, in his typical cool-as-a-cucumber fashion, isn’t hitting the panic button. His confidence seems to be squarely placed on the shoulders of Brock Wright.
“My confidence level is ‘sky high’ in Brock,” Campbell said. Now, that’s either some classic coach-speak to rally the troops or he knows something we don’t. Maybe both.
Campbell praised Wright as the team’s “jack of all trades.” He’s a guy who does the dirty work—run blocking, pass protection, special teams—without much of the glory. He’s not LaPorta, and nobody expects him to be. But the Lions need him to be dependable, a steady hand in a turbulent moment. Can he rise to the occasion on a big stage against a tough Eagles squad? The fate of a few drives might just depend on it.
Injury Woes Pile Up For Detroit
Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t stop with LaPorta. The injury report is looking more like a MAS*H unit call sheet. The Lions also ruled out All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph, who will miss his fourth straight game with a nagging knee injury. Adding to the secondary’s troubles, Cornerback Terrion Arnold is out with a concussion.
That’s three key starters sidelined for a crucial NFC showdown. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team trying to build on its recent success. For the Lions, it’s next man up. For the fans, it’s time to cross your fingers, hold your breath, and maybe say a little prayer to the football gods.
