The Dallas Cowboys kickoff the 2022 NFL season in just a few days. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys host Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night in a primetime showdown.

Ahead of the anticipated matchup, the Cowboys are leaving the door open for a potential surprise. One that would likely greatly impact the game.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy hinted that there is a chance that wide receiver Michael Gallup could play on Sunday. McCarthy acknowledged that conversations will be had if Gallup is a full-go in Thursday's practice.

Just asked Mike McCarthy if there’s a temptation to play WR Michael Gallup Sunday against The Bucs? “If he practices today, we will talk about it.” pic.twitter.com/ailf1ZwsMU

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 8, 2022

Additionally, McCarthy told the media on Thursday that "physically, (Gallup) looks really good."

Michael Gallup, of course, is on his way back recovering from a torn ACL that was suffered late in the 2021 regular season. The Cowboys did not place Gallup on the PUP list, which does make it possible that the wideout is on the field sooner than later.

A Sunday night return, however, would be a big surprise. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned that Gallup "would be lining up" if it was the Super Bowl on Sunday. Regardless, it is clear that the Cowboys are happy where Gallup is in his recovery.

Michael Gallup is a key piece to the Dallas Cowboys' success. If he were to play in week one, Dak Prescott would have an extra proven and trusted target in the passing game. As of now, Prescott will be relying on CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz, and a bunch unproven pass catchers.

Furthermore, Gallup provides a downfield threat and explosive element to the offense. He stretches the field vertically, and Prescott looks his way often in red zone situations. That would certainly open the playbook up for Dallas.

The safe bet is that Gallup does not play on Sunday. However, his return appears to be very close.

Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports