The Dallas Cowboys are assigning rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham responsibility for directing the defense in their Week 2 matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the change, according to a report from Jon Machota of The Athletic. Barham will wear the green dot, the communication role used to call the defensive plays.
The move follows a difficult defensive performance in Dallas' season opener against the New York Giants. The Cowboys gave up 28 points and struggled to slow the Giants' offense.
Barham, a third-round rookie from Michigan, will now be tasked with helping organize the defense against a Washington offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker is making the change before the team's second game of the season.
Both Dallas and Washington lost their opening games to NFC East opponents. The Week 2 result will leave the losing team with an 0-2 record.
