Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker is seeking guidance from a hand specialist after fracturing a bone in his forearm during the team’s Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. His recovery schedule has not been established.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the injury could sideline Hooker for as many as six weeks, although the expected absence depends on the specific bone and the nature of the break. Some forearm fractures can be managed without a player missing games, according to Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones, so the team does not yet know whether Hooker will be unavailable.
Hooker was hurt in the second half against New York and did not return. His injury is consistent with head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s postgame belief that Hooker had suffered a forearm fracture.
Dallas also lost linebacker DeMarvion Overshown during the opener because of a hamstring injury. No update on Overshown’s condition had been provided in the source report.
If Hooker is sidelined, P.J. Locke is expected to take on his role. Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled the primary safety responsibilities in Week 1 when Downs was not playing in the slot, while Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell could receive additional opportunities after recording no defensive snaps in the opener.
The report said a major move to add another safety was not expected, citing Hooker’s limited role following Downs’ arrival and Locke’s presence.
