FRISCO — Entering the 2024 campaign, the Dallas Cowboys had prospects to continue competing among the contenders in the NFC. Through six games, however, they look far removed from the team that emerged down the stretch before the postseason nearly a year ago.
At 3-3, their season is certainly not done, but the hopes of squeezing back into the mold of a postseason threat seem very unlikely. Their gauntlet coming out of the bye week that starts with a road game against the San Francisco 49ers casts more doubt on this team finding their mojo.
Whether they shift course down a more positive direction or continue to spiral down the same path, they still have a selection of players with much to gain in the final 11 games.
Here are three Cowboys who can make progress despite the team's "lame-duck" efforts.
Hunter Luepke — The Cowboys' fullback has become more secure in his role this season, becoming a more known asset in the Dallas offense. Luepke has shown flashes of his receiving skills and contributed in key spots in the Cowboys' Week 5 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas can employ Luepke as a receiver, runner or use him in pass protection for quarterback Dak Prescott. For the Cowboys, part of rejuvenating their offense could rely on further incorporating his vast skillset.
Jalen Tolbert — The young receiver aleady separated himself during the offseason to win third starting receiver job. Amid Brandin Cooks' knee injury and eventual placement on the injured reserve, Tolbert has become the de facto No. 2 option for Dak Prescott.
Tolbert has 24 receptions for 290 yards and two scores on the year. Like Luepke, his big moment came against Pittsburgh when he reeled in the game-winning touchdown. As this team explores its skilled position tool chest the remainder of the year, he has plenty of room to grow while demonstrating his value as a favored Prescott target.
DeMarvion Overshown — Once a story of an injury-robbed rookie season, Overshown is now a major success story on a defense starved of positives narratives. The linebacker ranks second on the team in tackles (41), but has the team's most solo tackles (28).
Overshown brings a presence in the middle of the defense the Cowboys have lacked for a long time. While Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence have been out with injury, he continues to make an impact. The hope now becomes him continuing his stellar play through the remainder of the year.
