The Dallas Cowboys defied their conventional organizational wisdom this offseason when they went out and signed safety Jalen Thompson. The former Arizona Cardinal was a must-get for Christian Parker's defense, as the back end desperately needed to be sewn up.
With Malik Hooker and DaRon Bland returning, plus the addition of Caleb Downs, Thompson really was the missing piece in the secondary for Dallas. Yes, the ongoing boundary cornerback battle will be important, but Thompson is a green dot candidate, so he is a necessity for the Cowboys.
Unfortunately, though, when OTAs began last week, and the media flooded The Star, Thompson was discovered to be working out on the side with the rehab group. No update was provided, and several fans began worrying. But it sounds like those fears can be put to rest.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke to reporters after Tuesday's offseason workout, and he finally gave updates on some pressing matters, including Thompson's injury status. Schottenheimer revealed that Thompson has a pec strain, but that it is "nothing crazy."
Dallas Cowboys clarify that Jalen Thompson's injury is nothing to worry about
Bullet dodged!
Again, Thompson's prowess, leadership and versatility will be coveted in Parker's system. Without him, the Cowboys may have been in a bit of trouble, as only P.J. Locke stands out as a name who could help keep the defensive backfield afloat in Thompson's absence.
That said, it doesn't sound like fans of America's Team need to worry too much, if at all. Injuries are a guarantee in the NFL, and Dallas is just taking it slow with its $33 million investment. Yes, he'll need to get up to speed in a new defense with a lot of new pieces, but that's what training camp is for.
At this point, it would be a surprise to see Thompson participating until then. Perhaps he makes it back for mandatory minicamp, but no reason really exists to rush him back. He is clearly at the facility and attending practice, taking mental reps and participating in team meetings and installs.
It is never ideal for a big-ticket free agency signing to be missing time, especially so soon, but better now than during the season. If Thompson isn't back by training camp or this drags into the preseason, then it might be time to sound the alarms.
Based on what Schottenheimer told reporters, though, it doesn't sound like Cowboys fans need to be terribly concerned. As always, it feels good to have troublesome headlines or storylines clarified before they spread like wildfire.
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