Coming off a breakout performance in Week 5 against the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy looks to build off it against the Carolina Panthers. A similar performance would help him secure a role in the Dak Prescott-led offense; however, it would also spell bad news for fellow Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert.
With CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin out against the Jets, the Cowboys needed someone opposite of George Pickens to step up as a target for Prescott. It certainly hasn't been Tolbert, who only totaled 101 receiving yards on 10 catches in five games. Meanwhile, Flournoy took full advantage of the opportunity early with an explosive five receptions and surpassed Tolbert’s total with 104 yards in the first half.
Additionally, Tolbert only saw one target against the Jets, whereas Flournoy saw nine. With that in mind, it's easy to see why an encore performance might knock Tolbert out of the Cowboys' future plans.
Ryan Flournoy Could End Jalen Tolbert's Time with Cowboys
Heading into the season, the Cowboys hoped for the fourth-year receiver to establish himself as the team’s WR3, especially after finishing with career-highs in catches (49), yards (610), and touchdowns (7) in 2024.
But a quarter into the season, Tolbert has fallen short of that expectation once again, as he's currently Pro Football Focus' No. 62-graded WR (60.8) out of 77 eligible names. With Lamb and Turpin returning soon, the former South Alabama product's role in the offense may only decrease, limiting the possibility of a turnaround. Flournoy's emergence only adds to the issue, while the growing connection between Prescott and George Pickens will lessen Tolbert's opportunities.
Having said that, Tolbert is someone Prescott has continued to speak highly of. The veteran QB has definitely shown his confidence in Tolbert, highlighted by a spectacular 34-yard connection in overtime against the Green Bay Packers. The third-year wideout also had a 30-353-3 stat line in eight games with Prescott last season compared to 19-257-4 in nine outings without him.
Although the Cowboys hope to have found something special in Flournoy, Tolbert’s clock to perform consistently at a high level is ticking. Cowboys fans should feel good about the problem with the entire corps returning to full strength soon, but they shouldn't be surprised if the improved situation comes at Tolbert's expense.