The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant setback as wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is likely to start the season on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained during a preseason game.
Why it matters: Mingo's injury poses challenges for the Cowboys' receiving corps, which is already tasked with stepping up in the absence of last season’s starting quarterback, Dak Prescott.
Mingo suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a notable 49-yard reception against the Baltimore Ravens, complicating his integration into the offense ahead of the regular season.
With an estimated recovery period of four to six weeks, Mingo’s absence may hinder the Cowboys' offensive options early in the campaign.
What’s new: The Cowboys acquired Mingo from the Carolina Panthers just prior to the injury.
In exchange for Mingo and a seventh-round pick in 2025, the Cowboys sent a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Panthers, indicating their belief in Mingo's potential despite his limited production last season, where he caught five passes for 46 yards.
Yes, but: This injury is not the first health challenge for the Cowboys’ offense.
Prescott missed the last nine games of the 2024 season due to a hamstring avulsion that required surgery, which limited his ability to develop chemistry with Mingo. As a result, Mingo did not have any receptions from Prescott last season.
What to watch: Mingo’s injury opens up competition among several receivers vying for roster spots.
The bottom line: The Cowboys must navigate Mingo's absence strategically to maintain their offensive effectiveness.
The team can place two players on injured reserve/designated to return when finalizing their 53-man roster on August 26, giving them some flexibility while ensuring they have adequate depth at the wide receiver position.
Between the lines: Mingo's injury underscores the physical toll of professional football and the unpredictable nature of player health.
As teams finalize their rosters, injuries like this highlight the importance of depth and adaptability in modern offensive schemes, particularly as coaches attempt to implement complex strategies within their passing games.
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant setback as wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is likely to start the season on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained during a preseason game.
Why it matters: Mingo's injury poses challenges for the Cowboys' receiving corps, which is already tasked with stepping up in the absence of last season’s starting quarterback, Dak Prescott.
Mingo suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a notable 49-yard reception against the Baltimore Ravens, complicating his integration into the offense ahead of the regular season.
With an estimated recovery period of four to six weeks, Mingo’s absence may hinder the Cowboys' offensive options early in the campaign.
What’s new: The Cowboys acquired Mingo from the Carolina Panthers just prior to the injury.
In exchange for Mingo and a seventh-round pick in 2025, the Cowboys sent a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Panthers, indicating their belief in Mingo's potential despite his limited production last season, where he caught five passes for 46 yards.
Yes, but: This injury is not the first health challenge for the Cowboys’ offense.
Prescott missed the last nine games of the 2024 season due to a hamstring avulsion that required surgery, which limited his ability to develop chemistry with Mingo. As a result, Mingo did not have any receptions from Prescott last season.
What to watch: Mingo’s injury opens up competition among several receivers vying for roster spots.
The bottom line: The Cowboys must navigate Mingo's absence strategically to maintain their offensive effectiveness.
The team can place two players on injured reserve/designated to return when finalizing their 53-man roster on August 26, giving them some flexibility while ensuring they have adequate depth at the wide receiver position.
Between the lines: Mingo's injury underscores the physical toll of professional football and the unpredictable nature of player health.
As teams finalize their rosters, injuries like this highlight the importance of depth and adaptability in modern offensive schemes, particularly as coaches attempt to implement complex strategies within their passing games.
