Week 13 shocker: Cowboys’ defense rocked as injuries strike 2 key defensive backs in Chiefs clash.QQ
In a thrilling Thanksgiving matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Dallas Cowboys managed to secure a hard-fought 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. However, the win came at a steep cost, as the team’s already thin secondary suffered further setbacks with injuries to two key starting defensive backs: cornerback DaRon Bland and safety Malik Hooker. With the postseason push in full swing, these developments have put Dallas on red alert, raising concerns about their defensive depth heading into the final stretch of the 2025 season.
The Cowboys entered the game at AT&T Stadium with preexisting worries in the secondary. Rookie cornerback Caelen Carson, who had been performing admirably in recent weeks, was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in practice. This forced another rookie, Shavon Revel Jr., into the starting lineup alongside Bland and slot corner Reddy Steward. While the team expressed confidence in the young group, the lack of experienced depth was a lingering concern against a potent Chiefs offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
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For much of the first half, the makeshift secondary held its own. Mahomes threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns, but Dallas’ defense managed to generate three sacks and limit big plays early on. Dak Prescott countered with an efficient performance, completing 27 of 39 passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb led the receiving corps with 112 yards and a score, while running back Javonte Williams added 59 rushing yards in a balanced offensive attack.
But the tide turned in the second half when injuries struck. Bland, a Pro Bowl cornerback and cornerstone of the Cowboys’ pass defense, suffered an apparent foot injury midway through the third quarter. He was seen limping off the field and entered the blue medical tent for evaluation before heading to the locker room. Although Bland returned briefly during the next offensive series, his noticeable limp suggested he was far from 100%. His limited mobility could sideline him for upcoming games, a major blow given his three tackles in the contest and his role in containing Kansas City’s speedy receivers like Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice.
Even more alarming was the loss of starting safety Malik Hooker, whose absence could prove devastating for the unit’s communication and overall effectiveness. Hooker, who had already missed four games earlier in the season due to a lingering toe injury, went down in the fourth quarter. His return in Week 11 had coincided with improved play from the secondary, including better tackling and fewer miscommunications—evident in the debuts of defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson around the same time. Without Hooker, who recorded just one combined tackle before exiting, the Cowboys’ defense noticeably struggled, allowing two late touchdowns that nearly erased a 10-point lead.
“The Cowboys’ defense just isn’t the same without Malik Hooker,” noted one analyst during the broadcast. The veteran safety’s leadership and playmaking ability have been crucial this season, and his potential extended absence could expose vulnerabilities against pass-heavy opponents. Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the injuries post-game, saying, “We’re evaluating both guys, but it’s tough. We’ve got depth being tested right now, and the next man up has to step in.” No immediate updates were provided on their status, but MRI results are expected in the coming days.
Despite the injuries, Dallas held on for the win, improving to 6-5-1 and keeping their NFC East hopes alive. A late field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey sealed the deal after a clutch drive led by Prescott. On the other side, the Chiefs dropped to 6-6, with Mahomes’ four-touchdown effort not enough to overcome turnovers and a porous run defense that allowed 137 yards on the ground.
As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 14 clash against the Minnesota Vikings, the focus shifts to recovery and reinforcements. Revel Jr. and Steward showed flashes with six and four combined tackles, respectively, but the loss of Bland and Hooker amplifies the urgency. If these injuries linger, Dallas may need to explore free-agent options or promote from the practice squad to bolster the secondary.
