The Dallas Cowboys are still celebrating the team’s comeback win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, but wide receiver Jalen Tolbert’s game-winning touchdown nearly did not happen. Tolbert sustained what appeared to be a hit in the groin area on the previous play and looked like he was going to be sidelined.
Dallas called a timeout which allowed Tolbert to catch his breath enough to remain in the game. Cowboys Pro Bowl offensive linemen Tyler Smith dropped a hilarious quote about Tolbert’s injury.
“Bro, it was miraculous. JT [Tolbert] literally sprained his [expletive] nuts – excuse me, sorry guys – sprained his nuts the play before,” Smith told reporters on October 7, 2024. “Comes back, makes the game-winner. Unbelievable. Extend the play, there’s guys playing above the 2.3. Dudes emptying the clip. It was great stuff.”
Jalen Tolbert on Late-Game Injury vs. Steelers: ‘I Couldn’t Breathe for a Second’
Tolbert has emerged as a key part of the Cowboys offense and will likely remained heavily involved with Brandin Cooks sidelined. The playmaker posted a career-high 7 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. After the win, Tolbert did not sound like a player that is concerned about the injury and admitted the ball simply hit him in an area that is less than ideal.
“It was a low ball, I thought I could get underneath it and ended up taking a one-hopper to the private[s],” Tolbert said in his October 7 press conference. “I couldn’t breathe for a second, but once they called the timeout, I knew I had to go back in the game, my team needed me.
“That’s the moments that I work hard for. I wasn’t going to be out in that moment. So, no matter what, I was going on the field and like I said, I knew the play call,” Tolbert continued.
“I knew the options that were available on the play call. Knew the coverage they would run. All I had to do is get through clean and make a play. And like I said, that’s what big-time players do in big-time moments. When the ball comes your way, your team’s counting on you to make plays.”