New Cowboys Rumors Update Malik Hooker's Injury Status, Return Timeline After Exiting vs. Giants

Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker could miss a month or more after suffering a fractured bone in his forearm in Sunday's 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and ESPN.

Rapoport reported Hooker requires further testing to pin down a timeline for his recovery.

"While some breaks can mean a player is out six weeks, the hope is based on the specific bone and break, it's quicker than that," the NFL insider said.

▶️ Full Cowboys-Giants Game Recap

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Hooker was on the field for just 12 defensive snaps. After the game concluded, coach Brian Schottenheimer said the initial belief was that the veteran defensive back had fractured his forearm.

Hooker was the one of two defensive starters to go down in the defeat. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown left with a hamstring injury.

On the basis of Sunday night, Dallas can ill afford to be shorthanded on defense. The team allowed 394 yards to the Giants, and that number doesn't portray how easily they moved the chains.

New York averaged 5.8 yards per play, went 9-of-11 on third downs, and possessed the ball for almost 37 minutes.

The Giants had seven offensive possessions. Four resulted in a touchdown and a fifth saw them run off the final 5:21 of the game to secure the victory.

Christian Parker's first game as defensive coordinator couldn't have gone much worse. For that reason alone, things are bound to improve in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders.

But it sounds like the Cowboys will be without Hooker, and an injured reserve designation could be in his future.