Cowboys Lose Star Malik Hooker to Toe Injury vs. Packers, Status Raises Concern

The Dallas Cowboys are exploring ways to stabilize a secondary battered by injuries, and on Thursday, the team welcomed back a familiar veteran for a workout at The Star in Frisco. With multiple defensive backs sidelined and inconsistency plaguing the unit, Dallas is considering all options ahead of a critical stretch of the season. Bringing in a proven defender underscores the front office’s urgency to shore up its pass coverage.   That veteran was Stephon Gilmore, who previously anchored the Cowboys’ secondary during the 2023 season. In his lone year with Dallas, Gilmore started all 17 games, logging 1,024 defensive snaps (88% of the unit’s total). He recorded 68 tackles (54 solo, 14 assists), 2 interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble — all while holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 60.3, ranking ninth in the NFL. Cowboys fans may recall his Week 1 interception against the New York Giants in a 40-0 victory, or his forced fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles that helped secure a statement 33-13 win. He remained a steady presence in coverage throughout the season, even delivering in the postseason loss to the Green Bay Packers with 4 tackles and a pass breakup.   While his 2024 stint in Minnesota fell short of expectations, Gilmore’s pedigree as a former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion makes him one of the most experienced cornerbacks still available on the market. For Dallas, reuniting with Gilmore could provide immediate stability to a defense that is still aiming for a deep playoff push. If Thursday’s workout proves successful, a deal could be finalized soon — giving the Cowboys a trusted veteran presence in the backfield at just the right time.