Cowboys weigh IR-return options four weeks in; Caelen Carson, Phil Mafah, Jonathan Mingo, and Payton Turner are eligible to begin the 21‑day practice window, with activation possible at any point. Shavon Revel Jr. is also cleared to be activated from the Non‑Football Injury list after ACL rehab.

Lamb and Booker aren’t slated for IR but their availability remains uncertain after high ankle sprains. With Malik Hooker sidelined, Juanyeh Thomas is primed for expanded safety duties as Dallas eyes a Week 5 clash with the Jets. Guyton and Miles Sanders could return to face New York, while Revel’s knee remains a watch item.

Team decision timelines will shape which players step in, and fantasy managers should monitor practice reports for concrete activation news and snap expectations before Game Day.

Dallas faces Week 1 with Shavon Revel Jr. on the Non-Football Injury List due to a torn ACL suffered in college, forcing Dallas to lean on its top corners while Revel recovers. Peyton Turner and Jonathan Mingo land on Injured Reserve, with Mingo designated to return later, leaving immediate snaps scarce for Dallas’ young weapons. Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Kaiir Elam appear ready for the opener against Philadelphia, giving Dallas a credible starting trio despite the injuries.

Revel’s college tape suggests he could contribute when healthy, but the NFI placement creates a six-week minimum absence. The Cowboys’ pass defense will hinge on Diggs and Bland returning quickly and Elam stepping in; once Revel re-enters, expect a rapid push for defensive snaps and potential yearly-upside at depth in fantasy leagues.

Dallas Cowboys training camp shifts to the second preseason test against Baltimore, with observations centering on how Dallas fixes the issues exposed in the Rams tune-up. Miles Sanders returns to practice healthy and active, while Payton Turner’s status and the WR depth behind top targets draw attention. Jalen Brooks’ status adds a wrinkle to the Cowboys’ receiver picture, and Joe Milton vs Will Grier remains a key backup QB debate as Schottenheimer and staff size up the special-teams and situational usage ahead of the Ravens game.

Fantasy angles loom large as Dallas weighs line depth, backfield usage, and which youngsters step up in August. The Netflix doc-reveal questions and Schottenheimer’s approach to play-calling could shape weekly upside for Cowboys options. With the Ravens on deck, coaches will scrutinize personnel packages, red-zone rhythm, and stability on third downs—the kind of details fantasy managers crave when projecting August and early-season value.

The Dallas Cowboys' defensive line depth is among the best in the NFL, particularly at the edge rusher position, where they have a wealth of talent. With a rotation that may include Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., and promising players like Sam Williams and Payton Turner, the Cowboys can keep fresh legs on the field. Parsons stands out as a disruptive force, while Fowler's ability to capitalize on one-on-one matchups could lead to another double-digit sack season.

Additionally, the Cowboys are nurturing three second-round picks who could significantly impact the defensive front. The coaching staff emphasizes rotation and consistent pressure, making this an exciting season for Dallas's defense. If they can keep their edge rushers healthy and on the field, they may prove to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

The New Orleans Saints are drawing criticism for their recent contract extension with defensive lineman Payton Turner, which some experts are dubbing one of the worst deals in the NFL. While Turner has struggled to produce significant sack numbers, his performance has shown potential in terms of quarterback pressures. The Saints appear to be banking on his ability to develop further and eventually justify the hefty contract amid concerns over their salary cap situation.

Critics are skeptical, questioning whether Turner can meet the high expectations set by the organization, especially given the team's pressing need for impactful defensive plays. The decision to extend him raises questions about the Saints' long-term strategy in the face of a tight salary cap. For fantasy sports managers, this contract could influence Turner's value as he attempts to provide consistent returns in future seasons.