7 Cowboys Who’ve Gone Missing to Begin the Season

4. Brandin Cooks, WR

After being traded from the Houston Texans to the Cowboys last year, Brandin Cooks went on to have a solid performance for America's Team. While his 657 receiving yards were one of his personal lows, the ex-Oregon State wideout still found the end zone on eight of his 54 receptions (14.8%).

Cooks was solid in his 2024 debut with four catches for 40 yards with a touchdown against the Browns. Much to his dismay, though, he couldn't replicate that success against the Saints, catching just two catches for 19 receiving yards despite playing 57 offensive snaps — seven more than the previous week. It's even more disappointing when you consider that the Cowboys were trailing for most of the game, which usually results in more passing opportunities.

Although it's a small sample size, it isn't difficult to see that Cooks might not be the player he once was. A glance at his receiving yards per game averages illustrates how his production has declined throughout the last five seasons.

There's still plenty of time for Cooks to turn things around, so let's hope the slow start to the season is behind him. If he can start rolling with some crucial receptions, the Cowboys' aerial attack will improve because of it.