The Dallas Cowboys continue to deal with frustrating injury news this week, with the latest blow coming from Malik Hooker being placed on IR. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported the move, and that has Cowboys fans even more concerned about a secondary that has consistently surrendered big yardage through the first weeks of the season.
The defense of Matt Eberflus has been a complete dumpster fire and is now going to be without one of its key starters for at least the next four weeks of the season. While he may prove to be up to the task, Hooker's absence leaves unproven Juanyeh Thomas as the current answer in the starting lineup.
Thomas was already forced into the lineup this season and didn't have the hoped-for impact. It is fair to wonder if the Cowboys might explore making a move at the position in the not-so-distant future if that remains the case. Four important weeks lie ahead that Hooker will be unable to contribute to. This includes two very winnable games against the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers. Take care of business in both of these games, and you're not only back in the wildcard race but are on the fringes of the division title picture.
Cowboys Face Another Injury Setback with Malik Hooker Placed on IR
With this in mind, if Thomas doesn't play well this week against the Jets, Dallas should have a sense of urgency in finding a potential replacement. The trade and free agent markets both have options that offer potentially more upside than Thomas. Justin Simmons stands out as one possible option thanks to his track record of productivity, before struggling with the Atlanta Falcons a season ago.
Still, there is reason to believe that Simmons' hard-hitting style could make him more likely to contribute than Thomas. Jordan Whitehead, Marcus Maye, and Marcus Williams all stand out as potential signings for Dallas as well. Regardless, it is clear that the secondary could use a boost at both positions in the next weeks of the season.
In addition to those names, former Cowboy Stephon Gilmore remains a free agent looking for a job and could provide his old team with a boost at corner. While the injury to Hooker is the last thing anyone wanted, the Cowboys are lucky to have options for a defense that has been consistently tormented in the first weeks of the season. As frustrating as it is to see Hooker land on the IR due to a toe injury, this should be considered a potential wake-up call to grow more aggressive in finding fixes for a defense that is completely falling apart.
Hooker is first able to return in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals in a game that could have major wildcard implications. Still, it is another unquestionable hit to a unit that is already facing major concerns as one of the league's worst units.