ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Dallas safety Malik Hooker had no idea that he was starting with a fumble return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter
The 38-yard TD return was part of a 33-point fourth quarter that turned a close game into the Cowboys’ 54-19 rout of the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.
ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Dallas safety Malik Hooker had no idea that he was starting with a fumble return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter
Hooker was drafted 15th overall by the Colts in 2017, but didn’t get a second contract after four injury-plagued seasons. He signed with Dallas during training camp last year.
“It was definitely some extra motivation,” Hooker said. “Sorry how it ended and everything, but I just wanted to come out here and prove that I’m still the player"'
Dallas led 21-19 entering the fourth when Dak Prescott threw the last of his three touchdown passes.
Hooker’s scoop-and-score was the first of four fourth-quarter takeaways by Dallas, all of which led to touchdowns.
Ryan threw his second and third interceptions and lost a fumble during the nightmare finish for the Colts (4-8-1).
Ryan, who threw two touchdown passes, has 18 giveaways this season (13 interceptions, five lost fumbles) to lead the NFL by three over Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.