Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley carries the ball for a TD defended by Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs and S Malik Hooker. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys place starting defensive back on injured reserve

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 1:48 PM ET

This has been a rough start to the season for the Dallas Cowboys' secondary. Through four games, they've given up a league-leading 1,189 yards through the air.

What's made it feel even worse is the alarming number of big plays surrendered. Unfortunately, that could continue to be an issue with one of their best defensive backs being placed on the injured reserve this weekend.

Malik Hooker, who suffered a toe injury during the tie with the Green Bay Packers , was placed on IR Saturday. In a corresponding move, the Cowboys promoted undrafted rookie Alijah Clark to the active roster.

The #Cowboys have placed starting safety Malik Hooker on injured reserve with a toe injury. He’ll miss the next four games.

Undrafted rookie Alijah Clark has been signed to the active roster in his spot. Juanyeh Thomas will take over his starting responsibilities.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 4, 2025

Hooker will be eligible to return later this season, but will have to miss at least the next four games.

Starting in place of Hooker will be Juanyeh Thomas, a former undrafted safety who has worked his way into the rotation over the past few years. Thomas was critical to the team's comeback in Week 4, blocking an extra point , which was returned for a touchdown by fellow safety Markquese Bell.

Thomas has been solid in coverage and was in the mix for the slot corner position this offseason. Still, Hooker has been an underrated safety throughout his career, leaving big shoes for Thomas to fill.