Hitchens recorded 11 tackles and added half a sack in Sunday's OT loss to the Saints.

He now has 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks through four games, and if the concussion that took Sean Lee out of the game keeps him sidelined for any length of time, Hitchens becomes a very interesting IDP asset even though Rolando McClain will return from his suspension in Week 5.

Hitchens (foot) picked up eight tackles in Sunday's comeback win over the Giants.

He'll get three more starts at middle linebacker while Rolando McClain serves the remainder of his suspension, and Hitchens looks like he'll be a useful IDP play during that time.

Hitchens (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Giants, David Helman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

Hitchens, who logged full practices Thursday and Friday, will start at middle linebacker in place of Rolando McClain, who is suspended for the first four games of the season.

Hitchens (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Giants, DallasCowboys.com reports.

Hitchens logged full practices Thursday and Friday, leaving little question as to his status for Sunday's game against the Giants. With Rolando McClain suspended for the first four games, Hitchens will fill in at middle linebacker.

Hitchens (foot) is expected to practice Wednesday, DallasCowboys.com reports.

With Jasper Brinkley cut earlier in the week, Hitchens is now the clear starter at middle linebacker for the Cowboys while Rolando McClain is suspended. Given his solid performance as a rookie last year, Hitchens should have IDP value in that role.

Hitchens saw first-team reps at middle linebacker to begin training camp, Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

The Cowboys will need to replace Rolando McClain in the middle of the defense due to McClain's four-game suspension, and it looks like Hitchens is in the running. He could have some IDP value to begin the season if he wins the job, but Jaspar Brinkley should still be considered the favorite to eventually man the position, with Hitchens starting at strong-side linebacker instead.

Hitchens had a team-high seven tackles and his first career interception in Sunday's romp over the Colts.

The unheralded fourth round pick has had a solid rookie season with one game to go, amassing 74 tackles and the INT. Dallas' linebacking corps could look very different next season, but Hitchens figures to have a prominent role in it.

Hitchens recorded a team-leading 12 tackles in Thursday's loss to the Eagles.

The rookie continues to produce when given the snaps, and Hitchens now has 36 tackles over his last four games. He doesn't offer anything in the way of sacks or picks though, so even with the premium tackle numbers he's only a marginal IDP option.

Hitchens (chest) got the start at middle linebacker on Sunday and recorded nine tackles.

Rolando McClain ended up not playing despite being active, which opened the door for Hitchens to make an impact. The rookie has looked good this season, but with a Week 11 bye to get the linebacking corps healthier Hitchens will probably return to backup duties once the Cowboys are back on the field.

HItchens (chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Rolando McClain (knee) will play, which probably makes Hitchens too risky to consider using in IDP formats. However, if McClain's knee can't hold up for a full game, Hitchens could get extensive work.

Hitchens (chest) is probable for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.

Hitchens might play a three-down role against the Jaguars since Rolando McClain (knee/groin) didn't practice all week. In such a scenario, Hitchens should have LB2 utility after posting eight tackles last week.

Hitchens (chest) practiced fully Thursday, ESPN Dallas reports.

Hitchens left Wednesday's practice early due to a chest injury, but his unhindered return Thursday implies the minor nature of the ailment. Meanwhile, middle linebacker Rolando McClain (knee) remained sidelined, and if he fails to achieve active status Sunday against the Jaguars in London, Hitchens is in line to earn his second career start. In the two games this season that he's picked up at least 50 snaps, Hitchens had totaled an impressive 21 tackles (15 solo) and one pass defended.

Hitchens (chest) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Since his 13-tackle game against the Rams, Hitchens had delivered very little value as an IDP, with only 5 tackles between Weeks 3 and 8. He had a good game against the Cardinals, eight tackles and a TFL, but there should still be skepticism that he can produce next to Rolando McClain.

In his first NFL start, Hitchens racked up 13 tackles during Sunday's win over the Rams.

Rolando McClain is expected back in the lineup next week, which will likely push Hitchens back to the bench, but he's now demonstrated that he can be a useful IDP asset when he gets the chance.

With both Rolando McClain and Justin Durant likely to miss Sunday's game against the Rams due to groin injuries, Hitchens could be in line to see significant snaps as the stating middle linebacker and in the nickel package, the Dallas Morning News reports.

The rookie fourth round pick technically got a start in Week 2 but ended up seeing only eight snaps, but it looks like he'll get thrown into the fire on Sunday. Based purely on the volume of snaps Hitchens should see, he could make for a sneaky IDP play.

With Justin Durant sidelined due to a groin injury, Hitchens worked with the first team defense on Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Cowboys have a couple of options to replace Durant. They can leave Bruce Carter at strong-side linebacker, where he had a productive game in Week 1, and plug Hitchens or Korey Toomer in on the weak side, or they can slide Carter back to the Will despite last season's struggles in coverage and move Kyle Wilber in as the starting Sam linebacker. It looks like Hitchens will get first crack, but don't be surprised if the Cowboys do a lot of mixing and matching in practice before settling on a plan.

Hitchens handled all first-team reps at middle linebacker in Thursday's practice and is expected to play 2-to-3 quarters Saturday in Miami, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

After losing Sean Lee for the year during offseason drills due to a torn ACL, the Cowboys will turn to an unknown quantity in Hitchens, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Through two preseason contests, Hitchens has already racked up 12 tackles (eight solo) and a tackle for loss in semi-extended action. Thus, he can likely be relied upon for a generous number of tackles as a rookie.