Cowboys reportedly envision Jalen Tolbert as Week 1 starting WR

The Cowboys lost two key members of their wide receiver corps this offseason, having traded Amari Cooper to the Browns and watched Cedrick Wilson head to Miami in free agency. That should leave plenty of snaps available for other wideouts on the roster throughout the 2022 season.

In the immediate future in particular, the absence of Michael Gallup should leave another starting spot open until his return from injury. As a result, third-round rookie Jalen Tolbert “is expected to start Week 1,” as noted by The Athletic’s Jon Machota (subscription required).

The 23-year-old finished his career at South Alabama with two highly productive campaigns. In 2020, he posted his first 1,000-yard season, scoring eight touchdowns along the way. He took a step forward last year, leading the Sun Belt in catches (82) and yards (1,474) en route to being named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. His 17.5 yards per catch average across those two seasons should allow him to contribute as at least a deep threat right away in the NFL.

Tolbert and free-agent signing James Washington will likely occupy the starting spots alongside CeeDee Lamb until Gallup is healthy. Even then, Tolbert could showcase enough early in the year — if not on offense, at least on special teams, where he is expected to operate as the Cowboys’ top punt returner — to claim a significant role of some kind. If the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder can acclimate to the pro game quickly, Dallas’ potent passing offense could absorb the losses of Cooper and Wilson quickly enough to remain one of more efficient units in the league.