The Dallas Cowboys' offense has been on fire to start the season. Despite being short-handed, especially with CeeDee Lamb missing time, and the offensive line getting completely decimated, the Cowboys somehow not only managed to survive, but also thrive. With early MVP candidate Dak Prescott under center, the Cowboys have the most yards and the fourth-most points in the NFL through five games.
While Lamb is making progress towards a return, the Cowboys will almost certainly be without KaVontae Turpin against the Carolina Panthers. The Athletic's Jon Machota reported that Turpin, who spent the day on the resistance cords, "doesn't expect to play Sunday at Carolina," but is looking to make his return against the Commanders in Week 7.
Turpin has been dealing with a foot injury after battling a neck injury earlier in the season. The two-time Pro Bowler return specialist continues to be a game-changer in kick returns, as always. What is different about this season has been how involved he has been on offense. Turpin has played a career-high 45% of the team's offensive snaps and is averaging almost three catches and 40 receiving yards per game for the first time in his career.
The 29-year-old is already up to 11 catches, 159 yards, and a touchdown for the season. Add in the 23 yards he has given the Cowboys on the ground, and Turpin is on his way to shattering his career highs in production across the board.
Cowboys fans must be hoping that this injury doesn't derail Turpin's promising season. Between Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, and the emerging Ryan Flournoy, the Cowboys don't desperately need Turpin to maintain their elite offense. Yet, his absence in the return game could prove to be too costly for the Cowboys, who will likely rely on Jaydon Blue in return duties like they did in Week 5.
The Panthers' defense has been playing well above expectations this season. After having the worst defense in the league in 2024 in terms of both points and yards allowed, the Panthers are a respectable group this season, especially ranking in the top half of the league in most pass defense metrics. If Lamb is still unavailable on Sunday, the Cowboys may have a tougher-than-expected challenge in Carolina. Whether Prescott can continue to work his magic with depleted rosters will be fascinating to watch.