Malik Hooker is consulting a hand specialist after breaking his forearm in the second half of Dallas’ Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. He did not return to the game. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the specific bone and type of break will help determine how long Hooker is sidelined, with some fractures healing faster than others.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said following the game that he thought Hooker had sustained a forearm fracture. Team co-owner Stephen Jones noted that certain breaks can be managed while playing, so Hooker might not necessarily miss a game. The possible absence could last up to six weeks, but no recovery schedule has been set.
Dallas also lost linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to a hamstring injury early in the opener, and no further update on his condition was provided. Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the main safety duties in Week 1 when Downs was not in the slot. If Hooker cannot play, P.J.
Locke could fill his spot, while Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell could see more chances. Clark and Bell did not record a defensive snap in the opener.
Hooker is playing the final season of his contract and is due to reach free agency afterward. He had been considered a possible trade or release candidate after Dallas reshaped its safety group, but he stayed with the team and played a substantial defensive role in the opener. His longer-term place with Dallas remains unclear.
