After Cowboys playmaker KaVontae Turpin turned in what was the fourth-most productive day from scrimmage in his career–with 47 receiving yards and six more on the ground, plus a touchdown–he was left wearing a neck brace after the game suffering what was later termed a trapezius muscle injury.
Concerns about the injury persisted early in the week, when Turpin was limited in practice on Wednesday. But on Thursday, Turpin was back at full speed and said he thought he’d be ready to play on Sunday against the Bears in Chicago.
By Friday, it was confirmed. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said at his press conference at The Star, “Turp is one of the toughest guys we’ve got. He should be good to go.”
Cowboys Using Turpin More
Turpin has been one of the more interesting developments for the Cowboys through two games of this season. During his four seasons in Dallas, he has been an outstanding return man, and was an All-Pro last year, but former coach Mike McCarthy was reluctant to include Turpin in the offense.
Schottenheimer, though, appears to be using Turpin as a third receiver and a running back. He forecast his intention to do so during training camp.
“The guy is just a dynamic weapon,” Schottenheimer said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “The things he can do running and catching and the quickness and agility that he has is just different. I think we feel like we got a much better sense for how we’re using him. Late in practice, we kind of moved CeeDee (Lamb) outside, and Turp went inside. Those guys are a little bit interchangeable. I think he’s going to have a fabulous year. I really do, in every facet.”
Kavontae Turpin Determined to Play vs. Bears
So far, so good. Turpin left the Giants win early but still had impressive WR3 numbers. His speed is his main weapon, and while a neck injury can affect every aspect of a player’s game, Turpin was confident all week he would play on Sunday.
“I’m going to go out there and play the way I play,” Turpin said. “Whatever happens, happens. They’ll have to take my whole shoulder out of my socket for me not to play. I’m just going to go out there and try to be me.”
Cowboys Announce Good News on KaVontae Turpin Before Week 3