After a hard-fought but entertainment matchup between the Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 31-29 loss, there was an injury to a Cowboys starter who is a vital part of their offense. Fourth-year wideout Michael Gallup left the game in the 3rd quarter with a calf strain and he will be out of the lineup 3-5 weeks and will move to IR.
While it will suck to be without Gallup and his deep threat ability, head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore believe fourth-year wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr can step right in and the offense will not miss a beat.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said WR Cedrick Wilson is “as fine of a young receiver who can play multiple positions.” Versatility been a focus in his development. “Noah Brown is the same way.” Both players to see enhanced role while Michael Gallup (calf) sidelined.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 10, 2021
With Cowboys WR Michael Gallup (calf) on IR for coming weeks, WR Cedrick Wilson to see largest uptick in work. OC Kellen Moore confident in Wilson. “He’s the utility guy. You saw him on Thursday night when he had to go in there, and I felt like we didn’t miss a beat.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 13, 2021
Many people may believe Kellen Moore when he speaks about Wilson as he scored two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks in week three of last season to show his playmaking ability. Wilson has shown a good rapport with Dak Prescott when he has had the opportunity to make plays.
The Dak to Cedrick Wilson touchdown.pic.twitter.com/WroRuCTwO6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 27, 2020
WR Cedrick Wilson is the 23rd different #Cowboys player to catch two-plus touchdown passes in a game.pic.twitter.com/UjD31zDFKc
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) September 27, 2020
If the Cowboys’ offense can receive that kind of production over the next month or so from Wilson, that will be a huge boost and can produce wins for the team. Wilson most definitely has the talent as all he did at Boise State was make big plays downfield but now he will have every opportunity to showcase that ability.
The great thing about Wilson’s role is he does not have to be the main guy, they still have Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb as the top two receivers so he will have plenty of one-on-one matchups with opposing teams third cornerback.
That fact alone will allow him to focus on his assignment and find holes in the zone for Prescott to deliver him the ball. Also, do not forget he has a little bit of quarterback in his game as he threw a red zone touchdown to Prescott in a week 5 against the New York Giants.
We need to take a moment to appreciate this pass from Cedrick Wilson. Giants LB Kyler Fackwell actually sniffs out the play and is on Dak's tail. When Wilson releases the ball, Dak's at the 10, when he catches it, he's at the 1.
Nice throw, Cedrick! pic.twitter.com/IRAmsSe7yb
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) October 12, 2020
It will be exciting to see how well Wilson can produce in the offense with more snaps over the next month, hopefully the Cowboys can pull out a few wins.