Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Cropper carries the ball at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cowboys release third-year WR ahead of looming CeeDee Lamb, Turpin returns

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 5:25 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are making a mid-week roster shakeup before returning to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, the Cowboys will be making some changes at wide receiver.

After filling in on special teams, third-year wide receiver Jalen Cropper has been released. The move comes with the expected returns of superstar receiver CeeDee Lamb and electric playmaker KaVontae Turpin right around the corner.

According to Todd Archer of ESPN, the Cowboys are hopeful that Cropper will pass through the wire waiver and return to the team as a member of the practice squad.

Cropper appeared in three games this season and returned three punts for 27 yards and two kickoffs for 38 yards.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cropper's release comes hours after owner and general manager Jerry Jones revealed that he is hopeful All-Pro receiver Lamb will be able to return for Dallas' Week 7 showdown with the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium.

Lamb has been out of action since suffering a high-ankle sprain just seven snaps into the team's Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. Turpin, meanwhile, has been slowed this season due to a foot sprain, which has kept him out of the Cowboys' past two games.

Both players would elevate an already prolific offense at a time when it needs it the most.

While the Cowboys' offense has exceled and is among the best in the league this season, it has to be virtually perfect if the Cowboys want to win because of the liabilities on defense. Lamb and Turpin will provide the extra boost to both the offense and the special teams unit that could be the spark the team needs to get back into the win column.