Hooker finished 2024 with career highs in tackles (81), solo tackles (51) and pass breakups (five), while also picking off two passes. The safety also started all 17 regular-season games and played on at least 81 percent of the defensive snaps in each. Hooker, a 2017 first-round pick of the Colts, signed with the Cowboys in 2021, re-signed for two years in 2022 and inked a three-year, $24-million extension in 2023 through 2026.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Malik Hooker news
Other Cowboys Players
Team
Dallas Cowboys
Birthdate
4/2/1996 (28)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'2", 212 lbs
Draft Info
2017: Rd 1; Pk (IND)
Birthplace
New Castle, PA, USA
Position
SAF
College
Ohio State
Experience
8 seasons
Career History
Dallas Cowboys
2021-Present
(4 seasons)
Indianapolis Colts
2017-2021
(4 seasons)
Hooker finished 2024 with career highs in tackles (81), solo tackles (51) and pass breakups (five), while also picking off two passes. The safety also started all 17 regular-season games and played on at least 81 percent of the defensive snaps in each. Hooker, a 2017 first-round pick of the Colts, signed with the Cowboys in 2021, re-signed for two years in 2022 and inked a three-year, $24-million extension in 2023 through 2026.
Hooker tallied nine tackles (six solo) during the Cowboys' 41-7 loss to the Eagles on Sunday. Hooker co-led the Cowboys in tackling Sunday with Eric Kendricks, and it was the former's highest total of the 2024 regular season. Hooker is now up to a career-high 75 tackles (46 total) and four pass defenses (two interceptions) through 16 regular-season games. The 2017 first-round pick will look to close out the regular season on a high note against the Commanders next Sunday.
Hooker (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Hooker was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, but that doesn't appear to be bothering him anymore as he was able to practice in full Thursday. Barring any setbacks, Hooker should be good to go against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Over his last five games, Hooker has registered 25 tackles (12 solo) and two interceptions.
Hooker (ankle) was limited during Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Hooker registered two solo tackles and played 48 defensive snaps during the Cowboys' Week 15 win over the Panthers. However, it appears he picked up an ankle injury in the process which limited him in Wednesday's walkthrough. Hooker will need to practice in full over the next two days in order to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Hooker tallied seven tackles (four solo) and an interception in the Cowboys' loss to the Bengals on Monday. Hooker was one of the few bright spots on Dallas' defense during Monday's loss as he recorded the team's only interception of Joe Burrow, which was his second of the campaign. Throughout 13 games played this season, the 2017 first-round pick has racked up 61 tackles (36 solo), which is just one short of his career high set back in 2022.
Hooker (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens and is expected to play, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Hooker was upgraded to full participation for Friday's practice and is ready to go Sunday. The 28-year-old safety has played 93 percent of the defensive snaps through two games, recording six tackles (three solo).
Hooker (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Hooker was added to Wednesday's injury report with a shoulder issue following the team's first practice of the week. He will have two more chances Thursday and Friday to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore. The 2017 first-round pick has totaled six tackles (three solo) over the first two games of the regular season.
Hooker may not see the same workload in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer that he did the last two seasons under Dan Quinn. The 28-year-old is a valuable part of the Cowboys' secondary, but Hooker averaged over 800 snaps the last two years as Quinn often used his safeties as linebackers in a hybrid role. Dallas has a much stronger LB corps this season however, and Zimmer's scheme doesn't have a history of deploying safeties in the same way. Hooker totaled 112 tackles and four interceptions over 32 regular-season games this last two years, but he could be hard-pressed to repeat those numbers if his snap volume declines.