The Dallas Cowboys have a huge hole to fill with CeeDee Lamb sidelined for the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain. Someone needs to step up to help replace production, but who?
The obvious choice would be George Pickens, who Dallas traded a third-round pick for this offseason to acquire. He proved during his time at the Pittsburgh Steelers he can be a No. 1 go-to target in the passing game, but so far hasn’t established the kind of rapport as of yet with Dak Prescott. Now would be a great time for that to happen.
The next choice would be Jake Ferguson. He’s off to a hot start this season and has without a doubt become Prescott’s security blanket, especially last week after CeeDee Lamb’s injury. Seeing him frequently more targeted during No. 88’s absence wouldn’t be much of a surprise at all.
Even though Pickens and Ferguson will obviously be asked to pick up the slack more during CeeDee Lamb’s absence, KaVontate Turpin is someone who shouldn’t be overlooked. He is a dynamic weapon who has the ability to take it to the house any time he touches the ball.
This is actually the first season Turpin has been more involved in the passing game under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. To date, he has eight catches for 129 yards and a touchdown through the air and another 19 yards on five rushing attempts on the ground. Expanding his role just slightly could see those numbers increase.
We all know what No. 9 is capable of doing as a return specialist when he has open field in front of him. He can be the same type of game wrecker in the passing game if the Cowboys can get the ball to him an open space with room to run. Playing from the slot with CeeDee Lamb out could provide those types of opportunities.
In a one-on-one matchup Turpin is going to be really difficult to contain. His speed and change of direction capabilities puts any defender at a disadvantage from the get-go. The Cowboys can work that into their offensive game plan and the Dak Prescott can get the ball in his hands with room to run, this could be a game changer.
Only time will tell, but getting Turpin a little more involved during Lamb’s absence could be just what the Cowboys need to keep this team afloat. There are just so many different ways to utilize Turpin’s versatility to their advantage it’s hard to imagine him not receiving an increased role.
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