KaVontae Turpin injury update: Cowboys WR doesn't expect to play vs. Panthers

It looks like the Dallas Cowboys will be down yet another wide receiver heading into this Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin doesn’t expect to play for the second consecutive game, The Athletic‘s Jon Machota reported Wednesday afternoon. Turpin, who has hauled in 11 catches for 159 yards and one touchdown this season, is dealing with a foot injury.

Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin (foot) doesn’t expect to play Sunday at Carolina. He worked on the resistance cords today, expects to be back the following week vs. Washington

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 8, 2025

Although All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb and Turpin have been dealing with injuries this season, quarterback Dak Prescott has been among the best players at his position this season. The NFL veteran currently ranks second in the NFL with 1,356 passing yards, third in the NFL with 10 passing touchdowns and boasts a 76.5 QBR (third best in NFL).

“Dak Prescott, make no mistake, he is on fire, and Brian Schottenheimer is doing an amazing job with that offense,” former NFL head coach Rex Ryan said on Monday morning’s edition of ‘Get Up‘. “Their defense still stinks, so I think it’s still gonna bite them at the end. But this offense is Super Bowl caliber. That’s without CeeDee Lamb and four starters in the offensive line.”

In the absence of Lamb and Turpin, George Pickens has emerged as Prescott’s go-to receiver. Pickens, who Dallas acquired from Pittsburgh this offseason, currently leads the team in receiving with 357 yards on 23 receptions. Tight end Jake Ferguson ranks second on the team with 272 yards receiving.

Turpin would be a plus to have back on the field, as his ability to return kicks/punts has been one of his strongest abilities. He boasted both a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown last season. He does anticipate that he would be healthy enough to return for next weekend’s NFC East clash against the Washington Commanders.

Dallas currently sits a 2-2-1, good for third in the conference. It has scored the most points in the NFC East (151), but has also allowed the most points in the NFC East (154).