Cowboys Make Surprise Move: Which Defender Is Set to Ignite the Return Game?

So here we are, Week 11, and the Dallas Cowboys stand at an uneasy 3-5-1 record—scrambling to stitch together the kind of consistency that fans desperately crave. Now, you gotta wonder: can a team survive the defensive chaos left in the wake of Micah Parsons’ blockbuster trade? Quarterback Dak Prescott has been steering the offense like a seasoned captain, sure, but it’s the defense that’s been limping along, searching for its heartbeat. Enter Malik Hooker—finally designated to return after a nagging toe injury—and suddenly, there’s a glimmer of hope. Could this nine-year veteran’s comeback be the jolt the Cowboys’ secondary so sorely needs, or is it just another chapter in their rollercoaster season? Let’s dive in and see what this could mean for Dallas moving forward.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 03: Kenny Clark #95 of the Dallas Cowboys and Osa Odighizuwa #97 after a sack during the fourth quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. — (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 11 with a 3-5-1 record and questions about their ability to find consistency. Quarterback Dak Prescott has managed the offense effectively under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but the defense has faced significant challenges.

The trade of star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers left a major void that the unit has struggled to fill. However, Dallas received encouraging news Thursday when the team announced safety Malik Hooker is returning to practice.

“Cowboys designated Malik Hooker for return,” KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson shared on X.

#Cowboys designated Malik Hooker for return

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 13, 2025

Hooker has been on injured reserve since suffering a toe injury during the Week 4 tie against Green Bay. The designation opens a 21-day window for Dallas to activate Hooker to the 53-man roster. His return provides a much-needed boost to a secondary that has lacked consistency throughout the season.

Hooker was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He completed his four-year rookie contract worth $12.6 million, fully guaranteed, with a base salary of $2.18 million in 2020. Indianapolis declined his fifth-year option for 2021, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency.

Dallas signed Hooker to a one-year deal in 2021 before extending him through multiple contracts. His current three-year agreement, signed in 2023, is worth up to $24 million with an $8 million signing bonus and $16.5 million guaranteed.

The 29-year-old recorded 20 total tackles through four games before his injury. Last season, he started all 17 games and posted 81 tackles, five passes defended, and two interceptions. Once activated, the nine-year veteran is expected to start alongside Donovan Wilson and strengthen a defense searching for stability.

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