Cowboys HC explains why rookie was benched for Week 1
The Dallas Cowboys needed help at wide receiver after parting ways with Amari Cooper during the offseason and the absence of Michael Gallup to start the season. Jalen Tolbert and his versatile skill set were taken in the third round of April's NFL draft, and the high expectations began. Tolbert did some nice things during […]
The Dallas Cowboys needed help at wide receiver after parting ways with Amari Cooper during the offseason and the absence of Michael Gallup to start the season. Jalen Tolbert and his versatile skill set were taken in the third round of April's NFL draft, and the high expectations began.
Tolbert did some nice things during training camp, however, days before the Cowboys' season opener, the buzz was that Tolbert may be inactive. That ended up being the case and it caused somewhat of an uproar, but now, Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy is giving specifics on why.
"He's a young player that a lot has been asked of him," McCarthy said. "We were so impressed when he arrived. The hamstring (injury) really played a factor in this. Having him play all the positions, we treated him like we did with CeeDee (in 2020)."
Tolbert's hamstring injury came in June, a critical time in the learning process for a rookie with OTAs and minicamp in full force and training camp on the horizon. So, it's understandable how that missed time to gain trust and chemistry with Dak Prescott set Tolbert back in his development.
The Cowboys put a lot on Tolbert's plate by having him take reps at every receiver spot, much like her did during his final season at South Alabama. The price for that was a lack of involvement in special teams work for Tolbert, but McCarthy mentioned that he's been stepping up in that aspect lately.
"He's a step behind the other guys (on special teams). That's really all it is. It's just where Jalen is. You have to recognize Dennis and Simi for what they've done. The last few weeks, he's been crushing it. I look for him to get more opportunities."
Tolbert will likely be on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals this week in some way. With the current state of the Cowboys' that now features Cooper Rush as the starter because of Prescott's injured thumb and a struggling offensive line, a spark is needed, and Tolbert should get serious consideration to show what he can do in a meaningful game.
Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
