Injuries are inevitable in training camp, and the Dallas Cowboys got an early reminder during their first week of practice. While Terence Steele (ankle) and Brevyn Spann-Ford (ankle) avoided serious setbacks, offensive lineman Robert Jones will miss 2–3 months after fracturing a neck bone in Sunday’s session.
The Cowboys just got another unfortunate update on wide receiver Parris Campbell, who was helped off the field on Saturday with an apparent leg injury. An MRI revealed Campbell suffered a sprained MCL in his knee, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
We can't help but wonder what this means for Campbell's roster chances. It would not surprise if he becomes the first cut of camp.
Cowboys WR Parris Campbell's knee injury could seal his roster fate
This is far from the worst-case scenario for Campbell, but it stands to reason that he will miss at least a week of practice - if not more. That would open the door for the likes of Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy, Traeshon Holden and Jalen Cropper to stake their claim for a roster spot.
What is so unfortunate for Campbell is that he already had to climb up the depth chart, and wide receiver has arguably the most clarity of any position as far as determining who will make the 53-man roster.
It is safe to say that CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpinare all roster locks. Jonathan Mingo could even be lumped into that group given the Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick for him last November. He certainly has a lot to prove, but he hasn't put a foot wrong over the first week of practice.
If the Cowboys carry a sixth WR, that could come down to Campbell, Brooks, Flournoy, Holden or Cropper. While this franchise loves to develop players, Campbell is the most experienced receiver on the roster. That hasn't resulted in consistent production in his NFL career, but it could carry some weight during roster cuts.
It’s impossible to know which direction Brian Schottenheimer and company are leaning after just one padded practice, but Campbell wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire before the injury. Hopefully he gets back on the field before the Cowboys feel the urge to cut him loose.
