Nothing can ever be easy for the Dallas Cowboys. In a season where the New York Giants are technically playing their third option at quarterback, the Washington Commanders are already in tatters, and the Philadelphia Eagles are probably already looking ahead to next year, the Cowboys somehow (unsurprisingly?) sit at 2-4 and are in third place in the NFC East. Woof.
But Dallas still has plenty of time to make a run and take an NFC East division crown it should, on paper, run away with. It could even start with Monday night's road game against the Eagles. Unfortunately, the Cowboys will be without one of their most important special-teams players.
All-Pro-caliber returner and depth offensive weapon KaVontae Turpin will sit out Monday night's game
in Philadelphia as he recovers from a rib injury. That creates a fascinating issue for Dallas given how adept Turpin is at turning upfield and getting the Cowboys excellent field position as a dynamic, electric returner.
For what it's worth, the Cowboys don't sound too concerned by Turpin's temporary absence, but it's hard not to be:
The Cowboys will be without returner KaVontae Turpin this week because of a rib injury, which means Tyler Goodson (kicks) and Jonathan Mingo (punts) will handle the roles.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 23, 2026
Turpin is one of the better returners in the league, but special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen does not…
As for when Turpin might come back to the Cowboys' lineup, his rib injury doesn't sound like it'll keep him out too long. I would venture to guess he might return as soon as next week, when the Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 1st. If the Cowboys can enter that game coming off a win, perhaps Turpin could help boost Dallas back to .500 when he returns. Turpin is a two-time All-Pro (2024, 2025), three-time Pro Bowler (2022, 2024, 2025), and has led the NFL in kick return yards twice (2024, 2025).
Who is KaVontae Turpin's backup on the Cowboys?
Considering Turpin is both the Cowboys' punt and kick returner, that means Dallas has to fill two positions. Jonathan Mingo will take Turpin's place on punts, and Tyler Goodson will take his role on kicks.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When will KaVontae Turpin come back to the Cowboys?
