While the Dallas Cowboys don't have a plethora of big names in the pass-catching department, they have plenty of depth beyond alpha receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Robin to his Batman receiver, George Pickens (who's tremendously stepped up in Lamb's absence).
From then on, it's always been an open competition. KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert seemed to be next. Jonathan Mingo is set to return at some point, while other WRs like Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Cropper, and Jalen Brooks give the Cowboys plenty of options. However, the first five weeks of the 2025 campaign have proven that Brooks doesn't seem to be a part of Dallas' WR plans anymore.
Jalen Brooks' Cowboys Career Is on Life Support
Brooks is in his fourth year in the league, and while he was once expected to be a big threat on special teams, his stock is trending in the wrong direction. He made his 2025 debut when he was activated off the practice squad in Week 5, but his performance didn't do him any favors.
Brooks has been a non-factor this season, and that continued when he played four snaps on offense and 17 on special teams in the 37-22 win over the New York Jets. He wasn't even targeted once during that time, and he only had one tackle in punt coverage before leaving the game with a knee injury. He has now reverted to the practice squad, with only two activations left this season.
Brooks was always on the outside looking in, and the only way he would be valuable would be to make an impact beyond special teams. Fast forward to today, and that clearly hasn't been the case, as he's barely played.
The Cowboys would have to sign him to the 53-man roster if they activate him more than twice in the remainder of the season. And given the way he's performed since he entered the league four years ago, there's simply no need for that.
Expectations aren't usually high for seventh-round draft picks, but he showed some promise as a speedy playmaker coming out of college. Now, unless Brooks makes the most of his next two activations, assuming he's even activated again, his days in Arlington are numbered.
With a grand total of 18 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in 22 appearances over four years in the league, the ex-South Carolina Gamecock clearly won't be missed by Cowboys fans if this truly is the beginning of the end.