Malik Hooker’s forearm injury could create a larger role for P.J. Locke as the Dallas Cowboys determine whether their starting safety will miss time. Hooker was hurt in the second half of Dallas’ Week 1 loss to the New York Giants and did not return. His absence could last as long as six weeks, but the recovery schedule has not been set.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said Hooker is getting an evaluation from a hand specialist. The expected timeline will depend on which bone was broken and the characteristics of the fracture, with some injuries healing sooner than others. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said after the game that he thought Hooker had broken his forearm.
Team co-owner Stephen Jones said some fractures can be played through, so Hooker might not necessarily miss a game.
Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson handled most of the safety work in Week 1 when Downs was not lined up in the slot. Locke could fill Hooker’s spot, while Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell could see more chances. Clark and Bell did not play a defensive snap in the opener.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also exited with a hamstring injury, and no update on his condition was provided. Hooker is playing the last season of his contract and is set to reach free agency afterward. He had been considered a possible trade or release candidate after Dallas reshaped its safety group, but he stayed and played a significant defensive role in the opener.
