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Cowboys Announce Roster News Before 'Monday Night Football'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 3:50 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys have had a rollercoaster of a 2025 season thus far. Dallas currently sits at 3-5-1, as its offense has been great, but its defense has let the team down time and again. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been impressive, completing 69.3% of his passes for 2,319 yards and 17 touchdowns with six interceptions.

The Cowboys' defense has been the team's biggest issue throughout the season. Dallas has failed to surrender fewer than 22 points, as it gave up 71 points combined in its past two games against the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys are coming off a bye last week and will be getting some help on Monday.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on from the sideline.© Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

One big piece of the Cowboys' defense that has been missing in recent weeks is defensive back Malik Hooker. The 29-year-old safety was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury after Dallas' Week 4 tie against the Green Bay Packers.

Before he got hurt, Hooker totaled 20 tackles in four games as Dallas' starting safety.

On Monday, the Cowboys made a decision on Hooker's availability for Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"The @dallascowboys activated S Malik Hooker from Reserve/Injured ahead of tonight’s game at Las Vegas," the team's public relations account said.

The @dallascowboys activated S Malik Hooker from Reserve/Injured ahead of tonight’s game at Las Vegas.

OT Ajani Cornelius was placed on Reserve/Injured, and RB Malik Davis was elevated from the practice squad.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 17, 2025

Hooker is in his ninth season in the NFL and fifth with the Cowboys after he was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

In his career, Hooker has accumulated 381 total tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, 14 interceptions and 24 pass breakups.

Hooker being back in the Cowboys' lineup is a big boost to the team's secondary, which has struggled all year.

Dallas takes on the Raiders at 8:15 p.m. ET on "Monday Night Football" at Allegiant Stadium on ABC and ESPN.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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