Cowboys Amari Cooper reportedly ‘cutting it close’ for camp

Yes, I know. I’m sick of the word too. Injuries have seeped into the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp plans. While many turn their attention to quarterback Dak Prescott, it is wideout Amari Cooper causing concerns this time around.

Camp starts early for the Cowboys due to the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 5. It’s good that Dallas gets a head start for training camp, but the players need to be there to benefit from it.

Cooper underwent surgery to fix an ankle injury that likely occurred during the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. As always, rehabbing for star players is monitored closely by the team and media.

According to Cowboy Maven’s Mike Fisher, the wideout is “cutting it close” to participate in Day 1 of Dallas’ training camp. It is unknown when Cooper will get cleared to participate, but there are supposedly no long-term concerns.

Amari had his ankle cleaned up in January, but the lingering injury prompted the team to remain cautious, holding him out of the end of minicamp. With that in mind, his availability come Week 1 of the regular season shouldn’t be a concern unless there is another setback.

Amari Cooper is crucial to the success of the Dallas Cowboys

When healthy or playing through an injury, Amari Cooper has been phenomenal for the Dallas Cowboys. Since joining the team via a trade, he racked up 3,028 yards and 19 touchdowns.

His impact individually is fantastic, but his impact on his teammates speaks volumes. Known as a lethal route-runner, he opened up the field for teammates Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb.

In 2019, Cooper and Gallup were one of four receiving duos to top 1,000+ receiving yards. On top of that, WR3 Randall Cobb had 828 receiving yards, so almost three wideouts with 1,000+ receiving yards. I mean, the trio combined for 3,124 yards, so that averaged 1,041 yards each.

This past season was Cooper’s fifth season of 1,000+ receiving yards in his six-year career. While his teammates did not reach the same milestone, Lamb accumulated 935 yards under complicated circumstances. That being quarterback injuries, offensive line injuries, and poor defense.

A window for the return of Amari Cooper will likely come on July 22 for the start of training camp. There are two weeks until the Dallas Cowboys suit up in Oxnard, California, and four weeks until they suit up in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.