Cowboys Country

Stephen Jones hints at 'quarterback' of Cowboys defense returning in Week 11

The Dallas Cowboys could be seeing the return of a notable name on defense in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields.
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are coming out of the bye week with sights set on turning the season around in Week 11.

This begins with a road matchup in primetime against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Monday Night Football.

And fortunately for the Cowboys, a notable face on defense could be nearing his return from injured reserve.

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During an interview with 105.3 The Fan on Monday, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted at the possibility of safety Malik Hooker making his return to the field after suffering a toe injury in Week 4's tie with the Green Bay Packers that forced him to miss the past five games.

Stephen Jones Calls Malik Hooker's Potential Return "A Big Deal"

Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

“Getting Hooker back is going to be a big deal,” Jones said. "He’s the quarterback back there, and he’ll make a big difference.”

Jones didn't guarantee that Hooker would be returning, but it certainly seems like he's trending in the right direction. Cowboys safeties Donovan Wilson, Juanyeh Thomas and Alijah Clark all missed Week 10's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, as the room has had no shortage of injuries in recent weeks. Hooker's return would definitely be a welcome sight for Dallas.

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In four games this season (all starts), Hooker has posted 20 total tackles (12 solo).

The Cowboys are also expected to have linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel available for their season debuts against the Raiders.

Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker makes an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He currently is an editor and contributor across several ON SI team sites, including Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI, and contributes to the On SI channels for the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. Zach started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. During his career, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7.

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