Malik Hooker’s availability is uncertain after he sustained a fractured forearm in Dallas’ Week 1 defeat against the New York Giants. He left during the second half and did not return. His recovery schedule has not been set, though the absence could reach six weeks.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Hooker is meeting with a hand specialist. The particular bone involved and the character of the break will help determine how quickly it heals. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said following the game that he thought Hooker had broken his forearm. Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones said some such injuries can be managed without missing a game.
Dallas used Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson as its main safeties when Downs was not in the slot. P.J. Locke could fill Hooker’s position if needed, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell also candidates for increased work. Clark and Bell did not play on defense in the opener. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited with a hamstring problem, and the source provided no subsequent condition update.
Hooker is playing the last season of his contract and is due to reach free agency afterward. He stayed with Dallas despite offseason speculation about a trade or release and played a significant defensive role in Week 1. His future with the team remains unresolved.
