Dallas Cowboys rookie tight end John Stephens Jr. tore ACL versus Seahawks
The Dallas Cowboys are losing not one but two rookies for the season, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken. After confirming the results of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown‘s MRI, Gehlken shared that undrafted rookie tight end John Stephens Jr. also tore his ACL in Saturday’s loss against the Seattle Seahawks.
The 6-foot-5 tight end spent three seasons at TCU out of high school before transferring back to Louisiana-Lafayette for his final season. Though his size gave him an advantage when it came to potentially securing a roster spot for this season, the injury could derail his rookie year.
Stephens had one reception for six yards on Saturday night before going down with his injury.
In the Cowboys’ first preseason loss versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Stephens posted a team-high five catches for 56 yards. The appearance also included his first NFL touchdown – a 15-yard strike from third-string quarterback Will Grier.
Stephens is currently on a three-year deal with Dallas, which he signed for $2.7 million.
Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown ACL tear confirmed
The Cowboys have also reportedly confirmed that rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown tore his ACL in Saturday night’s game versus the Seattle Seahawks. Due to the injury to his left knee, Overshown will miss the remainder of his rookie season. Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken first reported the news acquired via a source on Sunday.
The injury occurred with just under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter, when Overshown made a tackle on Seahawks rookie tailback Zach Charbonnet. Overshown appeared to be fine initially, before grabbing his left knee in pain. He was able to walk off the field on his own power, eventually being carted off to the locker room. He had three tackles before he had to exit the game.
Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed Overshown’s injury after the game.
“You just say your prayers and hopefully the imaging points in the right direction. He’s had an incredible camp,” McCarthy said, via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We talked about him seems like almost every other day. I just hope he’s okay.”
McCarthy added the team had big plans for Overshown in his rookie season, given the promise he’s shown throughout training camp and the preseason.
“Absolutely. He was climbing. He was climbing the charts,” McCarthy said. “… Showed up right away in the offseason program, just his ability to fly around. Really has excellent command. So just hopeful. See how tomorrow goes.”