Malik Hooker is consulting a hand specialist after breaking his forearm during the second half of Dallas’ Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. He did not return, and the length of his absence will depend on which bone was affected and the details of the break. Some fractures heal faster than others, so a recovery period has not been set.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said following the game that he thought Hooker had fractured his forearm. Team co-owner Stephen Jones said some breaks can be played through, meaning Hooker might not miss a game. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited the opener because of a hamstring injury, and the source provided no further update on him.
Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the main safety duties in Week 1 when Downs was not working in the slot. If Hooker cannot play, P.J. Locke could fill his spot. Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell also could see more chances, although neither took a defensive snap in the opener.
Hooker is playing the last season of his contract and is set to reach free agency afterward. During the offseason, Dallas viewed him as a possible trade or release candidate after reshaping its safety group, but he stayed and played a significant defensive role in the opener. His future with the Cowboys beyond this season remains unresolved.
