Stephen Jones said the Cowboys are getting a defensive ‘quarterback’ back, and no one is talking about it

The Dallas Cowboys are getting a player back that many are forgetting about.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball for a touchdown defended by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) and safety Malik Hooker (28) during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball for a touchdown defended by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) and safety Malik Hooker (28) during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to have a bunch of new faces on defense when they take the field again next Monday night, following the trade deadline and a much-needed bye week. The conversation surrounding “new players” on the defense has mostly focused on four key figures:

  • DT Quinnen Williams: Acquired via trade
  • LB Logan Wilson: Acquired via trade
  • LB DeMarvion Overshown: Returning from injury
  • CB Shavon Revel Jr.: Returning from injury, yet to make NFL debut

But there’s another name that’s being lost in the conversation that could also be about to return, and it’s someone who Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones described as a key figure on defense: Safety Malik Hooker.

Malik Hooker, dubbed ‘quarterback’ of Cowboys’ defense, could return in Week 11

Hooker was placed on Injured Reserve in early October after he suffered a toe injury during the Cowboys’ tie against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Now, he’s trending toward returning from injury, though it remains unclear if he’ll be ready to go for Week 11. It sounds likely based on Jones’ comments.

“Getting Hooker back is going to be a big deal,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan during an interview Monday. “He’s the quarterback back there, and he’ll make a big difference.”

That’s big praise for Hooker, who specializes in being the defense’s rangy, high safety covering sideline to sideline.

Paired with Revel Jr., Hooker’s return could mean two reinforcements for the Cowboys’ secondary. However, it remains to be seen whether the rookie gets as much playing time as the fan base would want him to.

“Revel is going to be a work in progress because he hasn’t played any football until the last couple of weeks,” Jones added. “We’ll see with him.”

For now, one thing is clear: The Cowboys’ defense will look different when it takes the field against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 17. Now the question is, will it look better?

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