Malik Hooker may be sidelined for as many as six weeks after breaking his forearm during the Dallas Cowboys' Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. His recovery schedule is still unknown, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that a hand specialist will evaluate the injury. The specific bone involved and the fracture's severity will help determine how quickly it heals.
Hooker left the game in the second half and did not return. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said afterward that he thought Hooker had a forearm fracture. Team co-owner Stephen Jones noted that some fractures can be played through, so Hooker might not miss a game. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited with a hamstring injury, but the source provided no further update.
Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the primary safety duties in Week 1 when Downs was not in the slot. If Hooker cannot play, P.J. Locke could fill his role, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell also potentially seeing more action. Clark and Bell did not take a defensive snap in the opener.
Hooker is playing the last season of his contract and is set to reach free agency afterward. Dallas had considered him an offseason trade or release possibility after changing its safety group, but he stayed and played a substantial defensive role in the opener. His future with the Cowboys beyond this season remains unsettled.
