Stephen Jones confirms Malik Hooker will play in the Cowboys next preseason game

When Jerry Jones spoke on newest Cowboys safety Malik Hooker’s arrival to the team, it was impossible not to see the joy that channeled across his face as he praised the team’s recent signing in late July.

It’s not hard to see why Jones was so gratified with the addition.

Malik Hooker is a bonafide playmaker. A tackling safety who makes his presence felt at every level of the field, and who flies to the football like a rock flung from a slingshot. Athletically, Hooker possesses the quintessential set of physical tools that any team would want in a safety. To add to that, he’s a smart decision-maker, and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses in both the run and passing game.

It’s why he’s started every game that he's played in, all except one. The biggest potential downer to Hooker’s value: his health, and although he’s been exceptional when he has been available, that ability to perform has oftentimes eluded him. A slew of injuries have hampered the 25-year old’s career, and most recently, he missed significant time due to a torn Achilles.

Still, Hooker’s attributes and age were attractive buying points as suitors jockeyed for contractual position, and eventually, Jones & Co.’s deal won out in the mind of the Ohio State product.

Hooker’s been limited to padless practices and team walkthroughs as he rehabs his leg, but last Friday, Stephen Jones revealed that he’d be suiting up for the ‘Boys upcoming preseason tilt against the Houston Texans.

The news came days after Mike McCarthy stated that the safety would take part in padded practices this week.

Hooker eases the stresses of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., providing the secondary regime with a reliable starting option who possesses ample experience handling big-game responsibilities. His talents are clearly visible by those who watch him, but translating them to a different team’s system is an entirely different story.

Hooker stated that he felt he was in the perfect scheme under Quinn. Time will tell if the two will form a prosperous pair full of chemistry, or a disastrous duo ripe for explosion.