The Dallas Cowboys are looking to build off any momentum that came from the 40-40 tie with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. But as Dallas prepares for its Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, the bigger question may be who will actually be on the field.
The Cowboys' injury list already included some big names, with CeeDee Lamb out for the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain. But the list grew this week when KaVontae Turpin landed on Wednesday’s injury report with a foot injury. After not practicing on Wednesday, Turpin also missed practice on Thursday, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, opening the door for a major opportunity for Dallas receiver Jalen Tolbert.
Injuries Could Open Door for Jalen Tolbert to Revive Season
Tolbert entered the year with some momentum of his own, setting career highs with 49 catches, 610 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns last season. Despite that success in 2024, he hasn’t been able to replicate that production so far, with just 10 catches for 101 scoreless yards over the first four games of the season. The good news is that Tolbert had his best game of the season in Week 4, reeling in four catches for 61 yards, and may be in line for a larger opportunity based on Thursday’s injury report.
In addition to Turpin missing practice, Miles Sanders has also missed practice each of the past two days with knee and ankle injuries. This is notable as Sanders and Turpin have both returned kicks and punts, leaving Tolbert as the lone player on the roster who has experience as a returner.
Tolbert hasn’t been electric as a kick returner, averaging 21 yards over five returns this season. However, unless the Cowboys choose to elevate a player from the practice squad, Tolbert is their best option, meaning he will have a golden opportunity both in the passing game and on special teams. That opportunity could be the key to turning the former South Alabama standout's 2025 campaign around.
Chances to prove himself have been hard to come by for Tolbert after the Cowboys added George Pickens this offseason and gave Turpin an increased role. Now that he has this chance in front of him, though, Tolbert could force his way back into Dallas’s plans even if it’s just until the team returns to health.