The Dallas Cowboys are already down at wide receiver. Michael Gallup is set to return, but unknown when, and James Washington is out for at least the first four games.

Behind CeeDee Lamb, the team is desperate to find help on the outside. With hope that it can come from their third-round pick Jalen Tolbert. The highly touted rookie receiver expected to come in as a potential day-one starter and contribute right away.

Despite an early connection with QB Dak Prescott, we might not see that come to fruition in week one.

From the opinion of former scout, Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, TX, it's possible that of all seven WRs on the Cowboys roster, it could be Tolbert as one of the inactive for the game.

Jalen Tolbert possibly not dressing Sunday night for the Cowboys should be viewed as a major disappointment…

The lack of depth of WR is glaring & they put themselves in this position after walking away from Cedrick Wilson & trading Amari Cooper #CowboysNation

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 9, 2022

Throughout camp, Jalen Tolbert has not progressed as well as the #DallasCowboys hoped he would. @BryanBroaddus says he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s inactive Sunday. If Amari’s replacement doesn’t suit up for week 1, get ready for #CowboysNation to have a meltdown

— ✭STX Mario✭ (@_STXMario) September 9, 2022

This would be a huge shock to the roster. Considering he is currently listed as third (available) on the depth chart behind Lamb and Noah Brown.

Simi Fehoko is likely a heavy special teams player to start the year. Including KaVontae Turpin, the Dallas Cowboys starting kick/punt returner.

Undrafted rookie Dennis Houston, one of four to make the final roster, seems like a more likely candidate to not dress for the game. However, he has continued to progress in practices and it's possible might be of more use than Tolbert, even if strictly as a special teams player.

Considering the amount of talent lost at the WR position this off-season, this would be a terrible start to the season for the group. Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson and Malik Turner all gone. Prescott is in need of help outside, in addition to his ankles and shoes.

If this comes to fruition, how bad of a look does this put on the front office for drafting him? Or the coaching staff for not properly developing him in time? Tolbert was expected to potentially start the year as WR2. There's blame to go around.

The Dallas Cowboys were already down at a prime position of need that they created for themselves. If Tolbert really isn't ready to play week one, it may be momentary but is a metaphor for the off-season.

Losing talent in order to save money, potentially to the detriment of the team. A still controversial philosophy.

It's only week one, but it would be a bad way to start the season.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports