The Cowboys are getting healthy, and while that is good news for the team as it looks to right itself following a disappointing 30-27 loss to the Panthers in Week 6, it’s going to be bad news for some of the fringe players who have made their way onto the roster as stopgap options. One of those, second-year receiver and return man Jalen Cropper, appears to be the first one to feel the brunt of the impending returns, as the team announced that he was waived on Tuesday.
Cropper played in three games this season, and returned three punts for 27 yards, adding two kickoff returns for 38 yards. He played 22 snaps on special teams and eight on offense. He has been with the Cowboys for three seasons, spending 2023 on the practice squad and appearing in one game in 2024.
The Cowboys could bring Cropper back to the team’s practice squad if he clears waivers.
CeeDee Lamb, Turpin, ‘Looking Good’
Cropper’s departure comes as the Cowboys await the return of star receiver CeeDee Lamb from a high ankle sprain. The Cowboys are also nearing a return on gadget playmaker and return man KaVontae Turpin, who has been out since Week 4 with a foot injury.
In an appearance Tuesday morning on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, owner Jerry Jones said that the arrow is pointing up on both Lamb and Turpin playing in Week 7 against the Commanders at home. He said the same for guard Tyler Booker.
“Without being doctor here and without the benefit of a week of practice seeing where they are, thumbs up on all. It’s looking good, but that’s just it. You’ve got to have that week of practice, which we haven’t had,” Jones said. “When we have it, that’ll be the report card. [We will] see how it goes this week.”
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Got Great Performances From George Pickens
In three games, Lamb had 16 catches for 222 yards before he was injured. His running mate, receiver George Pickens, was very good before Lamb got hurt and has been stellar in his absence–he has scored touchdowns in five straight weeks and has 19 catches for 359 yards in three games without Lamb.
Turpin, a Pro Bowl return man, has been having a career year in the offense. He has generated 182 yards of offense in four games. In 17 touches, he has gained 11 first downs.
Booker, the rookie first-round pick from Alabama, could return to his guard spot this week, too.
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott Warns Teams on CeeDee Lamb, Pickens
On Sunday, one of the silver linings that quarterback Dak Prescott took from the loss to the Panthers was that Lamb would soon be returning, as well as Turpin and Booker.
“We got a lot of great players. We got guys getting healthy and coming back. That’s only gonna make this team better and more explosive. We gotta keep our heads down and keep working,” Prescott said.
Prescott said he has enjoyed the opportunity to form a bond on the field with Pickens, and that the Lamb-Pickens combo should frighten defenses. “Speaking of CeeDee,” Prescott said, “when he gets back and he gets healthy, good luck on how teams are gonna play us. … George definitely opens it up.”
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