Cowboys Safety Malik Hooker Fractures Forearm, Faces Multi-Week Absence

Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker has been diagnosed with a fractured bone in his forearm and is consulting with a specialist to determine his recovery timeline, according to multiple reports. The injury occurred during the team's 28-20 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Hooker played 12 defensive snaps before exiting late in the third quarter after stumbling and getting tangled with Giants tight end Chris Manhertz. He initially walked off the field under his own power but was later ruled out. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated after the game that a fractured forearm was a possibility. The specialist consultation will determine how much time the veteran safety will miss. Reports indicate Hooker could be sidelined for six or more weeks, though there is hope for a shorter recovery based on the specific bone and break. If the Cowboys expect him to be unavailable for at least a few weeks, they are expected to place him on injured reserve, which would shelve him for a minimum of four games. The injury compounds a difficult start to the season for the Cowboys' defense.