Tag: Gallup

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys release LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Michael Gallup

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and receiver Michael Gallup on Friday.

The Cowboys said Vander Esch was released with a failed physical designation. According to reports, the move frees up $2.14 million in salary cap space.

Vander Esch missed the final 12 games of the 2023 season with a neck injury and has long had problems with his neck.

The Cowboys said Gallup will be listed as a post-June 1 cut. The move reportedly saves Dallas $9.5 million.

Vander Esch, a first-round pick in 2018, sustained his latest neck injury during a 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 8.

San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams blocked Vander Esch into the side of Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons on a fourth-quarter play. Vander Esch had his head down as he made contact with Parsons and fell to the turf.

Vander Esch, 28, also sustained a neck injury in 2016 while at Boise State and a more serious one with the Cowboys in 2019. He had a neck operation in 2020 to fix nerve issues.

In 71 career NFL games (65 starts) with the Cowboys, Vander Esch had 469 tackles, 13 for loss, plus 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018.

Gallup, 28, had big seasons in 2019 and 2020 when he combined for 125 receptions, 1,950 yards and 11 touchdowns.

But he was limited to nine games in 2021 due to an ACL tear and that contributed to his decline.

Over the past three seasons, he never accumulated 40 receptions or 500 receiving yards. He had eight receiving scores during the span.

Overall, Gallup had 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdown receptions in 86 games (67 starts) over six seasons with the Cowboys. Gallup was a third-round pick in the same draft that produced Vander Esch.

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) reacts during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Illness sidelines Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs, WR Michael Gallup

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cornerback Trevon Diggs and wide receiver Michael Gallup missed their second consecutive practice due to illness on Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy said.

One week after multiple defensive linemen were flattened by a non-COVID illness, McCarthy said he had both players participate in position and team meetings virtually.

McCarthy said there is time for both players to get on the field and play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the injury front, the Cowboys are optimistic linebacker Anthony Barr (hamstring) can advance from limited practice Wednesday to his first game since Week 8 on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

NFL Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup takes ‘full’ reps Wednesday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michael Gallup could be ready to assume his role as the Dallas Cowboys No. 2 wide receiver on Monday night.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Gallup would practice without limitations on Wednesday for the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee on Jan. 2.

“Michael Gallup will take a full slate of reps this week,” McCarthy said.

Gallup was hurt in a 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and underwent surgery in February, then re-signed as a free agent in March.

He finished with 35 catches for 445 yards and two touchdowns in nine games last season.

Gallup has 193 receptions for 2,902 yards and 15 scores in 55 career games (43 starts) since being selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys (1-1) play at the New York Giants (2-0) on Monday night.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott spotted at The Star sans boot

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Dak Prescott was spotted at The Star without the walking boot he wore into the bye week, and the Dallas Cowboys are optimistic about a rising level of health around the team.

Wide receiver Michael Gallup, out since the opening night loss at Tampa with a calf injury, is set to return to practice on Wednesday, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said. Jones added that defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (foot) isn’t close to being back.

But Prescott is not expected to miss time with a calf injury that led to him wearing a protective boot home from the Cowboys’ win at New England in Week 6. He smiled and said he wanted the media to have something to talk about this week when asked on Monday how he was feeling.

Jones said Prescott was day-to-day but pointed to a high level of optimism about the quarterback playing against the Minnesota Vikings this week.

“It would have been a tough one for him to make it (this past Sunday), but that would be speculating,” Jones said during a press conference discussing the World Cup. “I don’t know. Obviously, we would have had the way we were treating him differently if we were trying to get him to play today versus next week. That does afford us a little leeway to work with him in terms of having until next Sunday.”

Prescott was lost for the season with a dislocated ankle in October 2020. He rehabbed for months, signed a long-term contract and reported to training camp in tremendous shape by his own measure.

During the Cowboys’ first padded practice, Prescott injured his shoulder and rested for most of the preseason.

He hasn’t missed time during the regular season, returning to start Week 1 at Tampa. Prescott is currently the second favorite for the 2021 NFL MVP Award — undefeated Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is first — according to BetMGM.

–Field Level Media