The Dallas Cowboys will be playing their second game of the season and already have a handful of players missing time due to injuries, COVID, and suspensions.
The most notable has been wideout Michael Gallup and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence who will be on IR for the next 1-3 months. Right tackle Lael Collins will be suspended for the next five games, safety Donavon Wilson, and right end Randy Gregory will miss this Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Those players play significant roles on the team and with the defense being down three starters, fans are worried about how well they hold up against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Free-agent acquisition Malik Hooker will be getting his first chance to start and play in place of Donavon Wilson. Hooker has had his share of injuries but when healthy he is an All-Pro talent and arguably the most talented Cowboys safety since Roy Williams in the early 2000s.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on FS Malik Hooker: “I thought Malik's had a really good week of practice. …I think he's clearly back physically.” Hooker is expected to make his team debut Sunday at Chargers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 17, 2021
Now healthy, Hooker can step right in and use his natural talents as a ball hawk to help out a banged-up Cowboys defensive line. Hooker and Jayron Kearse may be the starting safeties if Damontae Kazee is not able to go as he is questionable with a thigh injury.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on FS Malik Hooker: “I thought Malik's had a really good week of practice. …I think he's clearly back physically.” Hooker is expected to make his team debut Sunday at Chargers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 17, 2021
Overall the defense showed some great energy and fight even though they came up short in week one against the Buccaneers. Hooker will have the opportunity to add to a hungry and energetic defense that had 10 days of rest and practice to face the Chargers.
At 25 years of age, Hooker has yet to reach his full potential which is what the Cowboys still believe he can reach as looks to play plenty in week 2 and weeks to come.
If Hooker is able to help the secondary with communication and do their job, it will help make Thur defensive line task or easier even though they are missing their starting ends.
Hooker said he is up for the task and excited to show how much of an impact he can make when he is locked in and healthy to contribute. It will be exciting to see how the fifth-year veteran fits into Dan Quinn's Cover 3 scheme.
