Are Dallas Cowboys concerned about Amari Cooper being available for opener?
The Dallas Cowboys have downplayed any concerns regarding receiver Amari Cooper’s health and availability for the Sept. 13 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
But there is no question that Cooper is dealing with an issue with 10 days left to go.
Cooper has been limited in each of the past four practices and was seen working with the athletic trainer on resistance cords in practice on Thursday.
Noah Brown and Cedrick Wilson have been getting reps with the first team offense along with starters Michael Gallup and rookie CeeDee Lamb.
Coach Mike McCarthy says it’s more about precaution than a long-term issue with Cooper and called his situation the normal stresses of training camp.
“It’s training camp. Everybody has a little bit of something,” McCarthy said. I just think once again, where every player is, Amari, all the guys. I feel very good about where Amari is. If he needs to take less reps, once again, there are all things that are communicated between the head coach, the trainer, the position coach. A lot goes into this.”
One of the things going into it, per McCarthy, is the Cowboys working inside on turf for the bulk of the last two weeks as they got the outdoor grass field re-sodded. As is Coopers’ status as the most experienced receiver and the wear and tear on his body.
Still, the Cowboys would prefer Cooper not be dealing with anything.
The good news is the Cowboys still have 10 days to go and being on the cords means a player is close to returning.
In other injury news, cornerback Chido Awuzie returned to practice on a limited basis after being sidelined for much of the last week with a knee injury.
But it may be too late for him to retain his starting job as rookie Trevon Diggs seems to be firmly entrenched at left cornerback.
Right tackle La’el Collins showed up late without his helmet to the media portion of practice on Thursday for unknown reasons while cornerback Jordan Lewis (ankle), linebacker Luke Gifford (leg) and safety Xavier Woods (groin) continue to be idle with injuries.
Linebacker Sean Lee, who has not participated in practice since the start of training camp, remained sidelined, raising a question about how the Cowboys will evaluate his role on the team with final cuts slated for Saturday.
McCarthy said he knows all he needs to know about the 11-year veteran, who grew up outside Pittsburgh, which is the coach’s hometown.
“I have been a Sean Lee fan since St. Clair High School,” McCarthy said. “I feel like I got a good evaluation on him. He has been very successful throughout his whole career in Dallas. He is fighting through a physical situation. His credibility and what he means to our football team is very important.”
Lee is set to back up inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and Jayon Smith.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 3:25 PM.
