The Cowboys’ much-maligned defense could soon get reinforcements. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Thursday that safety Malik Hooker is returning to practice, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Hooker, 29, was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a toe injury in a Week 4 game against the Packers. He is now eligible to resume practicing, and Dallas will have 21 days to add him to the 53-man roster.
He has 20 tackles (12 solo) in four starts this season after collecting 81 tackles and two interceptions across 17 games in 2024.
Hooker was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice as he works his way back from injury. The former first-round pick started the first four games of this season before getting hurt in Dallas’ 40-40 tie with Green Bay.
Ever since, Dallas has struggled mightily to fill Hooker’s position in the secondary. Juanyeh Thomas replaced him in Weeks 5 and 6 before he was sidelined with recurring migraines. Markquese Bell stepped in for Week 7, but the Cowboys’ other starting safety, Donovan Wilson, left that game with an elbow injury. That left undrafted rookie Alijah Clark in a tough spot for Week 8.
The constant turnover has been incredibly problematic for the Cowboys’ defense, which ranks 31st in both yards allowed (397.4) and points allowed (30.8). Across the NFL, only the Bengals have been scored on more frequently (33.3).
The Cowboys (3-5-1) are just 1-3 in their last four games. They will be in Las Vegas on Monday night to play the Raiders.
Also back at practice Thursday was Wilson, whose last appearance came in Week 7 against the Commanders. In addition to an elbow injury, the 30-year-old has been dealing with shoulder and knee issues.
Wilson has 36 tackles (21 solo) and two interceptions in seven games.
Hooker and Wilson ranked first and second on the team, respectively, in defensive snaps last season. Their return could drastically reshape a secondary that’s had to rely on unproven commodities for far too long.
The New Orleans Saints are finalizing preparations for the stretch of the 2025 season, with roster moves settling in and young players carving out their first real roles. But away from the practice field, one surprising off-field decision has drawn national attention.
As the franchise locks in its 53-man roster, focus should be squarely on football. Yet, the personal lives of rookies often become intertwined with the spotlight, especially when outside distractions collide with the demands of the NFL.
This week, a first-year Saint made a headline-grabbing decision unrelated to football. For him, staying in New Orleans’ long-term plans meant not only competing on the field, but also managing the pressures of celebrity attention off it.
That rookie is running back Audric Estimé, who recently secured a spot on the Saints’ 53-man roster after being elevated from the practice squad. Shortly after that milestone, he ended his relationship with a well-known social media celebrity, an online star with millions of followers and a massive global audience.
The influencer built her brand through music, lifestyle content and viral posts that turned her into one of the most recognizable young digital personalities. Her reach and visibility inevitably brought heightened scrutiny onto Estimé as he adjusted to life in the NFL and tried to solidify his role in New Orleans.
The rookie explained his choice candidly in a private conversation that has since circulated among team circles:
“Right now, I need to focus on building my career with the Saints. There were too many cameras, too many eyes on my life off the field. I need peace, I need focus – if not, I will lose my chance and get left behind in New Orleans.”
Fans immediately reacted across X and Instagram, some applauding Estimé for putting football first, others sympathizing with his former girlfriend and questioning the pressure placed on young players to sacrifice their personal lives. The split fueled debate over the challenges rookies face in balancing relationships with the ruthless demands of professional sports.
For Audric Estimé, cracking the 53-man roster is only the beginning. By cutting ties with distractions and the glare of social media celebrity culture, the rookie signaled that his priority is clear: proving himself in the Saints’ backfield and earning trust in New Orleans for years to come.