The Dallas Cowboys lost one of their starters in the tie to the Green Bay Packers and will be without his services for several weeks. Starting free safety Malik Hooker sustained a toe injury in Week 4, and the team placed him on Injured Reserve ahead of the game against the New York Jets.
Juanyeh Thomas started in Week 5, and he played 100 percent of the defensive snaps. They also elevated Aliyah Clark from the practice squad, but he didn't take the field. Still, it seems like they're still not convinced about Thomas, as they just signed Julius Wood as well.
Cowboys Sign Julius Wood in Wake of Malik Hooker Injury
"The Cowboys have signed safety Julius Wood back to their practice squad," reported Nick Harris of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram. "Wood was a training camp standout for Dallas in 2024 and barely missed out on making the final 53-man roster. Tennessee claimed him off waivers and he spent his rookie season there. He was suspended six games for violating the league’s PED policy in 2024 and was recently reinstated."
Wood entered the league as an undrafted free agent last season. The East Carolina University product wound up making just nine appearances as a rookie, recording a couple of tackles. Now, he may get another chance to shine with the team that first allowed him to showcase his skills in the league.
Hooker has already missed one game, and we know he will be out for at least four after being placed on the IR. That would put him in line to return in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. Then again, with the Cowboys slated for a bye in Week 10, they might want to give him some more time to heal.
The veteran safety has been one of the most consistent players for the Cowboys since joining the team back in 2021. A former first-round pick, he's up to 22 tackles this season, and he has started all but one game over the past three years. He also suited up for all 17 regular-season games last season.
The defense has been a work in progress for Dallas this season, so to speak. And while Matt Eberflus has a proven track record as a defensive coordinator, it seems like he's still figuring out how to make the most of the hand he's been given. Hopefully, being without one of the mainstays won't further damage a secondary defense that has already left a lot to be desired.