During training camp and the preseason, the Cowboys have demonstrated that injuries and rehabs are always examined on a case-by-case basis.
Some players, including Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and DeMarcus Lawrence, will not participate in any preseason games in order to prepare for the Buccaneers on Sept. 9 in Tampa Bay.
The exception to the rule has been Amari Cooper, who made his preseason debut against the Texans on Saturday night. In fact, he only returned to practice this week for the first time.
Coming off ankle surgery this summer, the sixth-year receiver said it’s the first time he’s prioritized participating in the preseason.
“It was a success. I was in good spirits, “Cooper stated on Saturday evening. “It was the first time in a long time that I actually needed those reps before the first game.”
Cooper said he wasn’t concerned about missing too much time between important games, but that the real playing time would help him prepare for the season opener against the world champions.
“I wouldn’t describe myself as rusty; rather, I haven’t played in a long time. In a long time, I haven’t run routes against anyone, “Cooper remarked. “Since January, this was the third time I’d worn the pads. Not rust, but I needed to have a feel for competing before it was important. “
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was happy with Cooper’s performance in the game, as well as the practice snaps he received in the week preceding Saturday.
"Amari had a fantastic practice week. It was only to get him back in there that the argument was made. "McCarthy stated his opinion. "To be honest, we only played Amari, Michael, and CeeDee for the first two series because we just wanted to get them 10 to 12 snaps."
Cooper was able to complete a few routes, but received no receptions and was not even given an official target.
Nonetheless, it was the labor that provided enough satisfaction.
"I had only practiced twice before today. It seemed strange to me to be training in this way, "Cooper remarked. "In the last seven months, I haven't done anything. I'll be able to practice for three weeks if I don't play in the fourth preseason game. "
Reference:https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/why-amari-cooper-felt-the-need-for-game-reps
