The Cowboys’ potent offense has been far from the problem during their 2-3 start to this season, as another potential target for QB Dak Prescott is making progress towards getting back on the field. TE Rico Gathers, placed on IR to start the season after suffering a serious concussion in practice, is now eligible to return to the practice field.
Gathers may very well still have a long way to go in contributing this season at TE, where his second year in transitioning from NCAA basketball to NFL football got off to a flying start in the preseason.
There was legitimate hope that – even with their general lack of creativity on offense – the Cowboys and Scott Linehan would be able to get return on their investment in Gathers in the passing game this season.
He will first be eligible to play in week nine, when the Dallas Cowboys host the Kansas City Chiefs – with Tony Romo on the call of his first Dallas game.
TE Rico Gathers is eligible to return to practice this week. Can't play until Week 9, but can start getting ready. #CowboysNation
— Jess Haynie (@CowboysAddicts) October 17, 2017
The Cowboys are currently second in the league at converting red zone trips to touchdown, and with the depth chart at TE fully set ahead of Gathers, this seems like the one area he could make any immediate impact in 2017.
Jason Witten, James Hanna, and Geoff Swaim are all valued by the Cowboys for their complete skills as receivers and blockers in the all-important ground game.
For a Cowboys offense that needs to do everything they can to protect a defense going through some serious growing pains right now, adding a 6’8″ pass catcher to the mix only makes sense.
Gathers has made a significant commitment to his new craft at TE, and the Cowboys have rewarded their 2015 sixth round pick to date. Being injured by a teammate was a major setback for Rico and the team, as even getting him back to working at The Star should lift spirits around the Cowboys.
You have to use Gather’s size & athleticism as a new wrinkle that defenses will not be prepared for, as you also ease him into the NFL game.
So I would like about 12-15 reps, and at least 3 targets. It will remain to play out, but I think the biggest issue is run blocking and help on certain pass rushers. You have to figure Gathers is a project in that aspect of the game. Meanwhile I’m looking for a few good strikes that defenders can’t cover.
With the way this team may need to score points, field goals down deep won’t cut it. A few shots to an impossible to cover TE works for me. Appreciate you always reading and responding, Russ.
Its up to scott linehan at the end of the day. He is a inconsistent coordinator with his execution. His scheme and personnel is questionable at times. Rico could give this offense the mix matches they need but its ultimately up to the coaching staff
Travis, thanks as always for your thoughts. With the way this coaching staff values continuity, it is difficult to expect Gathers to do a whole lot this season. At the end of the day, this is still a dominant offense that should be able to exploit any defense with their balance and skill. Its up to the defense to allow them to show that consistently.
Any defense Sean??? Denver this year and Minesota last year gave the blueprint to beat this “dominant offense” All im saying is maybe a little more creativity. Defenses like most fans sitting home watching can predict where the ball is going most of the time. Using Rico and maybe some Switzer would add a another element to this offense to keep Defenses guessing
Sean we need all the help we can receive to hopefully turn this season around.Rico absolutely can help expand the Offense take some of the pressure off of Dez T Will and Beasley, especially the Bease. It time for Scott Linehan to dig deep in the Cowboys library and dust off some of Coach Landry’s playbook, if necessary, some new looks and formations.