Important Cowboys defender could miss start of training camp after offseason surgery

[CCBoy]

Look no further than the three-headed monster at safety. Though Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson are regarded as the stars of the group, Malik Hooker was undoubtedly the team's most dependable deep-lying safety last year.

Hooker enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022 and enters the final year of the two-year contract he signed before last season.

Unfortunately, Hooker might be absent for the start of camp.

In an exclusive interview with Jess Nevarez of Pro Football Network, Hooker revealed he isn't medically cleared to return from offseason surgery to repair a dislocated thumb.

https://thelandryhat.com/posts/cowboys-malik-hooker-status-training-camp-offseason-thumb-surgery

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

As long as it is not a leg injury.

 

[gimmesix]

I feel that Hooker is the least important of the three-headed monster and would actually like to see what Mukuamu handles that free safety role (not necessarily during the regular season, but with the starters in camp), so I'm OK with this. Plus, with Hooker's past injury history, it might be good for him to be sidelined for part of camp.

Not saying I think Hooker is a bad player. I just don't see him as a vital one and think his is the one safety spot that could be improved. I could be wrong, though.

 

[Jarntt]

Thanks for posting. I hadn’t heard this. But, looks like it’s basically a non-issue

 

[Jake]

Look no further than the three-headed monster at safety. Though Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson are regarded as the stars of the group, Malik Hooker was undoubtedly the team's most dependable deep-lying safety last year.

Hooker enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022 and enters the final year of the two-year contract he signed before last season.

Unfortunately, Hooker might be absent for the start of camp.

In an exclusive interview with Jess Nevarez of Pro Football Network, Hooker revealed he isn't medically cleared to return from offseason surgery to repair a dislocated thumb.

https://thelandryhat.com/posts/cowboys-malik-hooker-status-training-camp-offseason-thumb-surgery

If you're on Twitter, Jess Nevarez is a great follow. She has access to players and, unlike some others (Patrik Walker), doesn't insult people who follow her.

 

[gtb1943]

As long as it is not a leg injury.

THE TERMINAL HAMMY!

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I feel that Hooker is the least important of the three-headed monster and would actually like to see what Mukuamu handles that free safety role (not necessarily during the regular season, but with the starters in camp), so I'm OK with this. Plus, with Hooker's past injury history, it might be good for him to be sidelined for part of camp.

Not saying I think Hooker is a bad player. I just don't see him as a vital one and think his is the one safety spot that could be improved. I could be wrong, though.

Wilson can play FS but not as well as Hooper. Kearse cannot. I think he is extremely underrated considering how much the big plays have been reduced since he took over centerfield.

 

[gimmesix]

Wilson can play FS but not as well as Hooper. Kearse cannot. I think he is extremely underrated considering how much the big plays have been reduced since he took over centerfield.

He could be underrated. I just don't see it. Now, he's definitely better than Kazee was for us. I just don't see much playmaking from the FS spot. He did have three interceptions last year, so that's something.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

He could be underrated. I just don't see it. Now, he's definitely better than Kazee was for us. I just don't see much playmaking from the FS spot. He did have three interceptions last year, so that's something.

As you say he had 3 picks. The defense removed markedly in defending big plays. I am trying to think who has been a better FS for us in recent history.

Either way, with Wilson and Hooper on the field we can better disguise and rotate because we have two players that can defend centerfield and play in the box.

 

[gimmesix]

As you say he had 3 picks. The defense removed markedly in defending big plays. I am trying to think who has been a better FS for us in recent history.

Either way, with Wilson and Hooper on the field we can better disguise and rotate because we have two players that can defend centerfield and play in the box.

I'll agree with your last statement. Hooker isn't afraid to come up and hit and Wilson can make some plays in coverage. Gives us some flexibility.

 

[coult44]

If you're on Twitter, Jess Nevarez is a great follow. She has access to players and, unlike some others (Patrik Walker), doesn't insult people who follow her.

What did patty do now?

 

[Jake]

What did patty do now?

You can actually have an exchange with people like Jess Nevarez and Jesse Holley and - *GASP* have a different opinion - and it's all good.

Patrik is so full of himself (re: insecure) that if you disagree with him he calls you names. Plenty of Cowboys podcasts. He can talk to himself.

 

[plasticman]

A dislocated thumb? Really?

This is the part where I would normally insert some of that annoying, old man, "back in my day" stuff.

......But I'm reformed. I recognize that these are different times.......so I won't........

 

[CCBoy]

A dislocated thumb? Really?

This is the part where I would normally insert some of that annoying, old man, "back in my day" stuff.

......But I'm reformed. I recognize that these are different times.......so I won't........

As an Air Force Falcons player, they waited until after the season was over before they put a cast on my left arm and rehabbed it.

 

[nyc-cowboy]

He could be underrated. I just don't see it. Now, he's definitely better than Kazee was for us. I just don't see much playmaking from the FS spot. He did have three interceptions last year, so that's something.

Glad someone else sees it - I used to say it a lot in the game day threads - not a bad player but can we please see a play on the ball on the back end once in a while.

 

[Teague31]

When did he have this surgery?