When the Dallas Cowboys took on the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, they were facing a defense that was allowing a league-worst 415.5 passing yards per game. Amari Cooper caught at least nine passes for the second time in three games, and Michael Gallup led the team with 138 yards receiving.
However, the biggest storyline out of the Cowboys receiver room this week was the performance of Cedrick Wilson, and it’s been a long time coming.
In two years at Boise State, Wilson hauled in 139 passes for 2,640 yards and 18 touchdowns, which included All-Mountain West and Las Vegas Bowl MVP honors in 2017.
Wilson was selected by the Cowboys with the 208th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Before the rookie could get his feet wet, he suffered a torn labrum after injuring his shoulder in training camp. He was placed on injured reserve on July 31 which ended his rookie campaign.
On August 31, 2019, Wilson was released after he was passed on the depth by Devin Smith but was signed to the practice squad on September 2. He caught a break on September 13 when he was promoted to the active roster after Tavon Austin suffered a concussion in the season opener vs the New York Giants. Unfortunately, though, he was hit with another setback on December 10 when he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee issue.
So as you can see, injuries and not a lack of talent have derailed the first few years of Wilson’s career. This past Sunday, however, Wilson showed the potential he can bring to the Cowboys offense.
With just over six minutes to go in the first half, Wilson caught his first pass of the season on a slant route and took it 40 yards for a touchdown, bringing the Cowboys within one point of the Seahawks at 16-15.
The Cedrick Wilson TD from Dak pic.twitter.com/LcVYBi1Prg
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) September 27, 2020
The Seahawks led the Cowboys 30-15 with just under six minutes to go in the third quarter before Wilson struck again. On his second reception of the day, Wilson went 42 yards on a crossing route for his second touchdown, pulling the Cowboys within eight at 30-22.
Cedrick Wilson TD #2 from Dak pic.twitter.com/I3Eu26Bhzz
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) September 27, 2020
Wilson only had five receptions for 46 yards in 2019. He matched that catch total vs the Seahawks on Sunday and became the fourth Cowboys receiver to gain 100 yards in a game already in 2020. The Cowboys have a three-headed monster at wide receiver with Cooper, Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. Now, if Wilson can continue to take advantage of his opportunities, there might be a fourth guy defenses around the league have to gameplan for when facing the Cowboys this season.
