Michael Gallup is attempting to heal from the injury to his ACL sustained in Week 17 of last season.
The Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver, has been ruled out for Week 1, but the team isn’t prepared to give up a longer absence.
Michael Gehlken, Dallas Morning News noted that the Cowboys could have filled a roster spot by placing Gallup on reserve/physically ineligible to perform list. They did not take the measure that would have rendered him ineligible for Week 4.
Notably, the Cowboys could have placed WR Michael Gallup today on Reserve/PUP, sidelining Gallup at least the first four games. They didn't. Reserve/PUP option is at the team's disposal for another week. For now, Cowboys have preserved chance for earlier return. https://t.co/isASC4s3Zp
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 23, 2022
The Cowboys may be delaying the inevitable. They could place him on their reserve/PUP roster before setting their 53-man roster for next Tuesday.
Gallup made a significant step towards his recovery last Thursday by running routes and catching passes his first time since Jan. 2 when he tore his ACL. Per Gehlken said that the 26-year old Gallup felt “great.”
Cowboys ended joint practices with Chargers on high notes: rookie CB DaRon Bland’s INT on one field, rookie WR Dennis Houston’s Hail Mary TD on other, and now WR Michael Gallup running routes and catches passes for first time since ACL tear. Gallup: “It felt great.” pic.twitter.com/5TaweDct5f
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2022
Dallas signed Gallup to this offseason’s $62.5 million five-year deal. Gallup will be the No. 2 wideout when he is fully healthy. After Amari Cooper was traded to the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb became the Cowboys’ 2 wideout.
Instead, the Cowboys waived kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and wide receiver JaquariiRoberson, linebacker Christian Sam and cornerback Quandre Moely, while placing tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in the season-ending injured reserve.