FRISCO, Texas – Coming up short in Carolina, the Cowboys had their share of issues – mostly on the defensive side of the ball. But the offense wasn't exactly perfect, especially during the clutch moments.
So getting a few players back in the lineup this week – including a couple of All-Pros, should be significant for the Cowboys, who take on the Washington Commanders Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
CeeDee Lamb has missed nearly four full games with a high-ankle sprain but he's one of the three key players that could be back on the field. Also, returner/receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) and rookie guard Tyler Booker (ankle) both have a shot to play this week.
Asked on Monday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said they will be monitored closely in the next few days, even before practice resumes Wednesday.
"We'll see how they do tomorrow, but I think all those guys, we hope to see them out on the practice field at some point this week," Schottenheimer said. "And if we get them out there, then we'll kind of see where they're at from the ability to move around, the conditioning and all that. But I would say we're hopeful."
Earlier in the day, Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones sounded a little more confident in the return of those three.
"We should get CeeDee back – that usually helps you when you bring back one of the best receivers in the league," Jones said. "We'll bring back Turp – he'll help in two ways. He'll help our offense and he'll help our return game."
Jones didn't specifically mention Booker when talked to 105.3 'The Fan' but did say they could be getting more players back on the O-line. With Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith both playing last week, Booker is the only starter on the 53-man roster who could be returning to action. He's missed the last three games with a high-ankle sprain.
In his place, the Cowboys have started T.J. Bass. The offense has been effective, scoring 40 and 37 points the previous two games but ran into a wall in Carolina. The running game had just 31 yards on 19 attempts. Booker's strength should be able to help push the pile better this week if he returns.
Speaking of returns, Turpin will certainly help in that area. The Cowboys have filled in with Jalen Cropper and Jayden Blue but haven't seen many impactful plays in the return game, something that Turpin has done with regularity the last three seasons.
"He's an All-Pro as a returner, so I'd say he's pretty important," Jones said. "When you've got great players at the position and they're not out there, you're not going to be as good. He's one of the best in the business and it'll be great to get him back."
Last year, Turpin helped the Cowboys win in Washington with a dazzling 99-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter of a 34-26 win.
Turpin also has 182 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown catch on offense, showing the versatility that makes him more than just a return specialist.
