Malik Hooker: Everything you need to know

Hooker recorded 52 tackles (28 solo) with one pass defended over 12 games for the Cowboys in 2025. The veteran missed five games early in the season due to a toe injury and played through back trouble late, and his numbers suffered as a result. Hooker struggled in coverage and may not be able to hold up as a physical in-the-box safety, leaving some question of where he might fit even in a depth role. He has one year left on his current contract at $6.5 million, but the Cowboys would incur just a $2 million dead cap hit if they elect to move on from Hooker this offseason under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Hooker (back) is active for Thursday night's contest against Detroit. Hooker was limited at practice all week with a back injury, but he'll now officially be able to give it a go in Week 14. The safety has also been nursing a pair of toe and thigh injuries over the last few weeks, but he's expected to start opposite of Donovan Wilson versus the Lions.

Hooker (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Hooker practiced in a limited capacity all week after likely sustaining a back injury in the Week 13 win over the Chiefs, but he's still got a chance to play Thursday. The veteran safety has appeared in just seven games this season, recording 29 total tackles and one pass defensed. If active in Week 14, Hooker is expected to start opposite Donovan Wilson in the Cowboys' secondary.