5 surprises from Week 1 of Dallas Cowboys training camp
3. The health of LB Jabril Cox & WR Michael Gallup
Entering the 2022 season, the health of wide receiver Michael Gallup and linebacker Jabril Cox are huge concerns. However, to the surprise of everyone, Cox was not on any injured list to start training camp, and Gallup might not miss as many games as we originally thought.
When Cox was drafted in the fourth round last season, fans got excited to see a player who had a second-round grade fall in the Cowboys’ lap. He played well on an LSU team that was not the same as the Joe Burrow-led team in 2019.
Part of the reason former linebacker Jaylon Smith was cut was to see what Cox could produce on the field. Unfortunately, his season ended early after tearing his ACL in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Since then, he has been rehabbing with no time frame for returning to the field. This week it was announced there would be no restrictions on Cox, and he will be healthy enough to practice. It will be interesting to see how long it takes before he can start stealing snaps away from Leighton Vander Esch.
Cowboys LB Jabril Cox “was definitely lining up to get more opportunities” on defense before ACL tear last season, coach Mike McCarthy said. “His role was getting ready to expand.” Added that Cox looks instinctive and “smooth.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 29, 2022
Gallup also tore his right ACL last season, but later in the year against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. That means his timetable to return was always going to be much different than Cox’s. However, head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned this week that Gallup is further along than previously speculated.
McCarthy says Michael Gallup "hasn't missed a target yet." Describes him as being in the "4th quarter" of his rehab.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) July 27, 2022
Gallup was placed on the physically unable to perform list to start camp, so he can participate in team meetings and rehab but cannot practice. Jerry and Stephen Jones believe in the playmaker’s chances of returning healthy after signing Gallup to a five-year $57.5 million contract extension.
ACL tears vary from player to player. Some can end careers, or some players, like Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, can return after six months of rehab. Gallup already confirmed that he would likely miss Week 1 of this season, but that is not stopping him from making sure it is the only game he misses in 2022.