Big Setback for Cowboys: Jonathan Mingo Out with PCL Sprain to Start the Season
The Dallas Cowboys will start the 2025 season without one of their key wide receivers, Jonathan Mingo, who is recovering from a sprained PCL in his right knee. Mingo sustained the injury during the Cowboys’ 31-13 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. While he briefly continued playing, the injury ultimately forced him to leave the game.
The Injury
Mingo’s injury occurred during a catch on the sidelines, where he tweaked his right knee. Despite the discomfort, he remained in the game for a short period before exiting. Initial concerns led to further testing, which revealed the severity of the issue: a sprained PCL, according to reports from The Dallas Morning News. The injury is expected to sideline Mingo for up to six weeks, with a potential return date in time for the Cowboys’ matchup against the New York Jets on October 5.
If Mingo misses the full six weeks, he will be absent for the Cowboys’ first four games of the season. The Cowboys will now need to adjust their lineup as they prepare for a season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.
Mingo’s Impact on the Cowboys’ Receiving Corps
Though Mingo is not the Cowboys’ top wide receiver, his absence is still notable. CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ number one receiver, is coming off a standout 2024 season, where he posted 1,194 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 101 receptions. In addition, the Cowboys bolstered their receiving corps in the offseason by acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mingo, however, was expected to be a reliable backup in the Cowboys’ wide receiver rotation. After being drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Mingo was traded to the Cowboys ahead of the deadline last season. Although his role was primarily off the bench, Mingo still made a solid contribution with five catches for 46 yards in eight games. His versatility and depth were seen as an important addition to the Cowboys’ offense for 2025.
How Mingo’s Absence Affects the Cowboys
The Cowboys were hoping that Mingo could make a meaningful impact this season, especially with their revamped receiving corps. His absence leaves the team with fewer options, forcing them to rely more heavily on Lamb and Pickens to carry the load early in the season. The Cowboys will likely turn to other players like Michael Gallup and rookie Jalen Tolbert to fill in the gaps while Mingo recovers.
The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season that ended their streak of three consecutive playoff appearances. With the team eager to bounce back and get back into contention for a playoff spot, Mingo’s injury is another challenge for a squad that has already faced some setbacks this offseason.
The Road Ahead
With just over a week until the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys are hoping to get healthy and make the necessary adjustments in time. Losing a player like Mingo for the start of the season is a blow, but the team has enough depth and talent to adjust. The focus will be on the development of younger players like Tolbert and the continued dominance of Lamb and Pickens to make up for Mingo’s absence.
For now, Mingo’s focus will be on recovery as he works towards a return in early October. The Cowboys are hopeful that his absence won’t hinder their early-season success, but the team’s performance in the first few weeks will likely shape the narrative for the rest of the season.
Conclusion
Jonathan Mingo’s PCL sprain is a setback for the Cowboys as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. While Mingo was expected to be a valuable backup for the Cowboys’ receiving corps, his injury has left the team with fewer options heading into their season opener. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at the forefront, the Cowboys will need to adjust to the absence of Mingo and hope that their depth and key players can step up. As the season unfolds, Mingo’s recovery and return will be closely monitored as Dallas looks to make a strong push for the playoffs after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
