The Dallas Cowboys are only a week into training camp and have already suffered a potential roster-changing injury. While the stars remain healthy, one veteran competing for a spot at the bottom of the rotation may have just lost his opportunity.
On Monday, Cowboys reporter Calvin Watkins revealed that free-agent signing Parris Campbell has sprained his MCL and will miss some time.
Update on some injuries: Cowboys WR Parris Campbell has a MCL sprain in his knee, according to a person with knowledge of the injury.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2025
Campbell was signed as a potential depth option and is fighting for one of the final roster spots at the position. With George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb expected to do the heavy lifting, the franchise has been content with shopping in the bargain aisles when it comes to filling out the rest of the depth chart.
Cowboys Might be Forced to Part Ways with WR Parris Campbell
Campbell's latest injury is hardly a minor report for a player who is already on the fringes of the Dallas roster.
Suffering the injury could be the deciding factor in whether or not Campbell makes the final roster. While it might seem cruel to lose your spot to an injury, it is a reality of a physical sport. He already had an uphill battle to make the Cowboys rotation and had no room for error. The injury is also an opportunity for other pieces to shine in his absence.
Campbell's career started with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving after three seasons of frustrations. The receiver landed with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles for a season each before signing with Dallas.
Having spent so much time in the NFC East, it does offer the Cowboys the advantage of being familiar. However, this is little defense of a player who cannot take the field. For Campbell's fate to change, the veteran is going to need to make a speedy recovery and make his case.
Lamb, Pickens, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert, and Jalen Brooks should already all be above Campbell on the depth chart. Add in the veteran receivers still left on the market as possible upgrades, and it makes the most sense to turn the page on Campbell and search for an upgrade.
One possible consideration could be a reunion with Amari Cooper. Signing the veteran would allow Lamb to move around consistently and be at his best.
Regardless, the future doesn't seem to have a path forward for Campbell, barring a quick return to health and showing off at the end of the summer. Otherwise, it seems the Cowboys are going to turn the page and send the struggling receiver back to free agency.