The Dallas Cowboys already have an entertaining battle emerging at the bottom of the receiver depth chart, and things just grew a bit more interesting. Jonathan Mingo won't make the first Cowboys roster with the news that the receiver is dealing with an MCL injury expected to keep him sidelined for a large chunk of time. The exact timeline of a potential return isn't yet clear. However, it does shake up expectations for the bottom of the depth chart.
There is reason to wonder if this could serve as a setup for Dallas to turn the page completely. It isn't as if Mingo has been impressing early in his career. The pass catcher needed a strong finish to the preseason to better cement his standing with the organization. Missing out on making the initial roster brings up some obvious questions.
Dallas could use this as time to better evaluate lesser-known pieces and part ways with the receiver once he is healthy. Mingo isn't a popular figure and is not likely to be missed if the Cowboys simply cut the receiver when he is able to return. With this in mind, it is very possible that this injury will ultimately spell the end of Mingo's time with Dallas.
Sources: #Cowboys WR Jonathan Mingo is dealing with a PCL injury he suffered last week that’s expected to sideline him to start the regular season.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 18, 2025
The belief is he’ll be out for at least a month. pic.twitter.com/90lx8WpYDa
Struggling Cowboys Depth Receiver Given Brutal Injury News
According to Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys receiver is expected to miss at least a month with the injury. It makes it clear that Mingo has zero chance of returning for the first weeks of the season and isn't likely to be ready until the end of September. This is more than enough time for the Cowboys to find a better answer and decide to move on. Putting the pass catcher on IR simply buys you time to better evaluate the rest of your roster.
For Mingo, it is a frustrating setback that continues to fit in with a frustrating career. The receiver started with the Carolina Panthers as a second-round selection, but was quickly given up on due to a lack of production. Dallas acquired the receiver for a 7th-round pick and hoped to provide the needed change of scenery.
The end of the season left little reason to believe that this was the case, and early camp and preseason returns have made the same point. It is hard to believe Mingo is going to last much longer, even if he is given a chance once healthy again.