The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the NFL's better offenses for quite some time, leading in points per game over the last three. They could have been even if a certain player didn't get hit with the injury bug.

Wide receiver Michael Gallup, who is entering his sixth season with the Cowboys, suffered a calf injury in 2021 that forced him to miss seven games, and then tore his ACL in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals. Gallup returned last season, but it was clear he wasn't fully ready just nine months after tearing up his knee.

Gallup is fully healthy once again, and the expectation from the outside world is that he will get back to the guy that had 1,100 yards in 2019, or even the one that had over 800 in 2020. The former third-round pick believes that will be the case.

“It just feels different," Gallup said. "I’m smiling every time I walk in that facility.”

Although Gallup wasn't fully back last season, he still showed some flashes here and there of his past ways. However, ACL injuries are tricky, and some players heal differently than others. 

When a player is coming back from an injury, confidence can be affected during the process, especially if the results aren't coming as quickly as desired. That's exactly what happened to Gallup in 2022.

 “I was thinking too much, my knee was sore," said Gallup.

That isn't the case these days.

Gallup mentioned that he's "very confident" that the upcoming season will be a return to form for him. When it comes to the Cowboys' offense, he must make good on that proclamation. 

The addition of Brandin Cooks during free agency was huge for the Cowboys, and his presence provides a threat on the outside with his speed and route-running ability. However, Gallup getting back to his old self not only gives the Cowboys multiple outside threats but it will allow Lamb to play more in the slot where he has been dominant in his first three seasons. 

It all comes down to having the most weapons to attack with as possible. The Cowboys have plenty on the offensive side of the ball, but the health of Gallup puts their passing attack on another level. Mix that in with Tony Pollard's explosiveness from the running back position and the Cowboys are cooking with hot grease.