As the Dallas Cowboys start their 2023 regular season, this forgotten wide receiver is set to break out and have a phenomenal performance. Michael Gallup has been dealing with an injury that has set him back since 2021. The injury affected his abilities well into 2022 when he only got a few touches with the team. Gallup capped off that season with 424 yards for four touchdowns.
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However, he’s primed to bounce back now that he’s healthy to be a key force for Dallas. Gallup is working his way to being unforgotten after the Cowboys signed Brandin Cooks and the spotlight was on CeeDee Lamb. Gallup’s numbers may have declined throughout the years during his injury, but expect him to put up numbers. This provides Dak Prescott with enough ingredients to drive the ball down the field in clutch moments.
If both Dak and Gallup can stay on the field this season, expect both to have a recording-crushing season to remember.
Galluping Year: Sixth-Year Receiver Set to Have Breakout Season
The Forgotten WR
It’s no secret that the 2018 third-rounder began to fade away when other receivers stepped up to deliver their performance. The Dallas Cowboys have explored the idea of trading Michael Gallup this offseason now that he is on a remarkable journey to recovery. With the additions of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and an impressive preseason performance by Jalen Tolbert, it seemed like Gallup’s chances in Dallas are up. The Dallas Cowboys were struggling at one point trying to find a legitimate receiver other than Lamb.
Dallas solved their own problem by signing Cooks, but the only issue that remains is what they would do with Michael Gallup once they have their star receivers. It puts Gallup in doubt, but is using that energy to be hungry and determined to have a great upcoming season. There should be no worry on Gallup’s end though. Gallup put up nearly 2,500 yards and 13 touchdowns during his first three years.
It’s enough for him to go back to the drawing board to learn behind Lamb and Cooks to come up with his own recipe this season.
Time is running out
The latest additions from the Dallas Cowboys are expressing a signal to Gallup that they are moving toward the future. Gallup needs to truly seize everything which includes the reasoning behind why he still belongs on this team. The hunger from Tolbert and Simi Fehoko motivates Gallup to keep pushing. However, if that doesn’t happen this season, then the Cowboys may very well move on earlier than expected.
Gallup had a breakout performance in 2019, catching 66 passes for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. However, those numbers dropped of course after his injury. Time may run out since Jerry Jones has made unexpected moves without notice in the past. This includes when Dallas acquired Trey Lance in a trade this past offseason.
Gallup would need to replicate the performance he had at the beginning of his career if he has any chance to stay with the Dallas Cowboys. With Amari Cooper gone to Cleveland, Gallup will be relied on more heavily alongside Lamb. If he misses more time, then expect Tolbert to overtake his duties along with Brandin Cooks.
High Spirits
Michael Gallup is soaking everything in at this point as he’s grateful enough for an opportunity to be his old self again. With the hurdles he faced, there’s no doubt that he will work his way back to showcase his talent. The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most unique profiles of any team in this league, but Gallup still has gas left in the tank to match the same energy. Gallup will provide a big boost to the Cowboys offense when he makes his returning debut Sunday night against the New York Giants.
All confidence is on his side in his comparative ramp to 2023. Gallup said “I feel so good. I just smile all the time. I keep telling folks that I just smile when I walk in here because I know it’s go-time soon.”
Gallup may realize it himself that it’s time for him to step up. Now that the grueling recovery is behind him, he’s set to pair with Cooks and Lamb to be a dangerous trio threat starting this weekend. Leaping forward and seizing everything will be the mindset for not only Michael Gallup but for Dallas as they start their 2023 season campaign Sunday night against the Giants.
Don’t sleep on Michael Gallup. He’s healthy, motivated, and ready to go this season. I think he will have a nice breakout year for dem boyz.#DallasCowboys #NFLTwitter
pic.twitter.com/EX0fogmzAW— NFL Highs (@frito_paw) September 6, 2023
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