The Dallas Cowboys have not yet placed Michael Gallup on their physically unable perform (PUP), signaling hope that the wide receiver will be able to return to his ACL injury in September.
Jerry Jones shared that optimism with reporters Wednesday by telling them that Gallup will not be moved to the PUP List before they set the 53-man roster for next Tuesday.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated WR Michael Gallup (ACL) won’t start the season on PUP.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 24, 2022
This would render the wide receiver ineligible to play in the first four regular season games. Jones doesn’t rule out a possible Week 1 return, even though Gallup stated that it is not ” possible”.
Jones stated that he didn’t want to do anything which would place him in a category that would prevent him from playing in the first game.
Jerry Jones seems optimistic that Michael Gallup won't start the year on PUP: "We just don't want to do anything that would put him in some kind of category that would limit us from getting him in the first game."
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) August 24, 2022
Gallup tore the ACL in the last game of the 2021 regular-season. Gallup, who had previously missed significant time due to a leg injury, was able to record 445 yards and two touchdowns over nine games.
Dallas offered Gallup a five year deal for $62.5 million, despite an injury-plagued season. After Amari Cooper’s departure to the Cleveland Browns, Gallup will be expected to move into a starting position for the Cowboys.
Although Gallup’s process may encourage the Cowboys, it is unlikely that he will play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sept. 11. He has a good chance of making a return soon.