Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker could be sidelined for as many as six weeks, but his recovery schedule remains unsettled. The specific bone involved and the type of break will help determine how quickly he can return, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who said Hooker is meeting with a hand specialist.
The injury occurred after halftime against New York, and Hooker did not come back into the game. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said afterward that he thought Hooker had a forearm fracture. Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones said some breaks do not necessarily keep players out, meaning Hooker might not miss a game.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited with a hamstring injury, and the source material provided no further update on him.
Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the main safety duties in the opener when Downs was not in the slot. P.J. Locke could replace Hooker, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell also in line for more chances.
Clark and Bell did not take a defensive snap in Week 1. Hooker is playing under the final season of his contract and is set to reach free agency afterward. Dallas had considered him an offseason trade or release possibility, but he stayed and played a significant defensive role.
