Dallas Cowboys special teams open Week 1 with Nick Sorensen steering a veteran-led unit that stresses tone-setting from Aubrey and Wilson, energy from Turpin, and a growing role for Tolbert as rookies adapt. The plan leans on depth, cross-training, and playing fast and simple, especially with kickoff rule changes looming. Aubrey’s captaincy signals reliability; Turpin’s energy drives the return game while veterans anchor coverage.

With more returns possible, decisions hinge on returners, coverage, score, and weather. Sorensen emphasizes roster versatility and sustained leadership to weather injuries and keep units cohesive. The goal is a depth-forward, energy-rich unit that can influence field position and scoring as Week 1 unfolds.

Dallas named six captains for 2025: Osa Odighizuwa, Donovan Wilson, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aubrey and C.J. Goodwin. Schottenheimer aimed for four steady leaders but players voted in six, with no extra captain for Week 1 against Philadelphia. The lineup highlights leadership across defense, offense and special teams, signaling a unified, authentic voice for the season.

Wilson’s surprise ascent pairs with Lamb’s steady influence on offense, while Prescott anchors the quarterback room. Aubrey, a kicker, underscores special teams prominence, and Goodwin adds return-game leadership. The mix suggests fantasy angles: Lamb stays a primary target, Aubrey could impact scoring through kicks, and defensive leaders like Odighizuwa and Wilson could elevate IDP value.