Dallas City News

Another day of Cowboys training camp, another day without CeeDee Lamb, another day for the young wide receivers to take advantage of the extra reps to fight for a spot on the final roster. While the ideal scenario would include Lamb returning to practice with a new contract ASAP, his absence has created opportunities for the other WRs to get some much needed reps, especially with Dak Prescott.

There are currently 13 WRs at camp all battling for a spot on the final 53-man roster. Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert are all but set in stone, leaving an intense battle for WR4. The stakes are high in a very tight race, but after Tuesday’s practice, Jalen Cropper is gaining a whole lot of ground.

The UDFA spent last season on the Cowboys’ practice squad and is using the extra reps in this year’s training camp as his breakout moment. So far in camp, Cropper has had multiple standout days. It is starting to be a daily recurrence that we hear about the great plays he is making and Tuesday was no different.

On Tuesday, he saw a lot of work with Dak Prescott and made the very most out of it. It is clear that he is gaining a lot of trust from Prescott getting open down field, shaking off defensive backs, making tough catches, and working for the yards after catch.

While Cropper is having himself a camp, Jalen Brooks would like to remind everyone that he is very much still in the battle for WR4. As a quick reminder, Brooks is no stranger to taking advantage of his opportunities. In fact, he was perfect last season every time he was targeted. So far at camp, he has continued to show his growth.

After a short injury scare for Brooks on Monday, he returned to the field roughly 30 minutes later and had a great practice. Tuesday was another continuation of a great practice day from him.

While it is very likely that KaVontae Turpin will have a role on this team with special teams, it is anticipated that he will have an increased role in the passing game as well and he is also battling it out for WR4. Turpin has been getting a lot of work in with the offense at camp and Tuesday was no different. His big play of the day was this beautiful grab in the endzone with the toe tap to keep it in bounds.

A few of the other WRs fighting for a spot on the roster also made some great plays on Tuesday. Cam Johnson, the rookie UDFA, got some work in with Prescott. David Durden is working to make the final roster after an ACL tear ended his season last year. And Racey McMath is fighting to make his way up from the practice squad.

It is still early on in training camp for the Dallas Cowboys and there is still time for all of these WRs to prove their value on this offense. In just a few days, they will have their first opportunity to go up against completely new faces as they prepare for their joint practice with the Rams on Thursday and their first preseason game this weekend. It will be very exciting to watch this position group as the preseason goes on and the battle for WR4 intensifies. Will Brooks and Turpin allow Cropper to gain ground or will someone else emerge as a true contender?