Malik Hooker’s fractured forearm is being evaluated by a hand specialist, with his absence potentially lasting up to six weeks. The Dallas Cowboys safety was hurt in the second half of the Week 1 loss to the New York Giants and did not return. The specific bone involved and the type of break will help determine his recovery period, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said following the game that Hooker appeared to have broken his forearm. Team co-owner Stephen Jones said some fractures can be played through, so Hooker might not necessarily miss a game. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited with a hamstring injury, and no further update on his condition was provided in the source material.
Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the main safety duties in Week 1 when Downs was not playing in the slot. If Hooker cannot play, P.J. Locke could fill his role. Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell could also see more opportunities, though neither recorded a defensive snap in the opener.
Hooker is in the last season of his contract and is set to become a free agent afterward. He had been considered a possible trade or release candidate during the offseason but stayed with Dallas and had a significant defensive role in the opening game. His longer-term position with the Cowboys remains unresolved.