(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the year, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2024 season.)
It's a phrase that echoes across locker rooms and front offices around the league every year, "next man up." In most cases, it's just a rally cry for a team to galvanize any extra ounce they can assemble when pressed against a talent shortage due to injury. For a few other occasions, it's a legitimate opportunity for those further down the depth chart to shine.
The Cowboys have a had a little of both. With a roster as depleted as Dallas' is, there's going to be a natural drop off in talent, no matter the effort level. What it has done, is allowed a fantastic evaluation opportunity for some guys who haven't received the consistent reps prior.
Now that the Cowboys have a couple positive performances under their belt, it's a more accurate representation of how these players are assessed. Let's rank the top five players who have stepped in to fill needs for the Cowboys this season.
5) Luke Schoonmaker - Since Luke Schoonmaker was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cowboys fans have been waiting to see the value he brings. Unfortunately, the pro level has not come naturally for Schoonmaker, as he's taken some extra time to adjust to the strength and pace of play. While Jake Ferguson has been sidelined the last three weeks with a concussion, Dallas has finally gotten a glance of how Schoonmaker has improved into his second season. He's tallied 14 receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown in those three games after only 8 receptions for 56 yards in the nine games prior.
4) Chauncey Golston - Entering the season, Chauncey Golston was buried in the Cowboys depth chart behind several talented defensive linemen. But as the year went on, that depth dwindled more and more as the injuries started to pile up for names like DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland. His versatility to rush of the edge or the interior of the defensive line has helped Golston find extra snaps in Mike Zimmer's system and take a step forward as a pass rusher. He set a new career high with 27 pressures this season, capped off by his stellar interception against Washington in Week 12.
3) Carl Lawson - Much like Golston, Carl Lawson was needed in a big way after all the injuries at the edge rusher spot. However, Lawson didn't benefit from multiple years around the franchise or from being a former Cowboys draft pick. Instead, he stepped into a practice squad role early in the season and found his way on the active roster quickly due to the lack of depth. Entering Week 14, Lawson has 4.0 sacks, 13 QB hits and a forced fumble. Last week, he led the team with five QB hits during the win over the Giants. Providing much needed pressure from the front seven.
2) Brock Hoffman - There have been so many injuries on the offensive line this season that Dallas has needed multiple players to step into big roles. None bigger than Hoffman who was tabbed will filling in for Zack Martin at right guard and chosen to do so over another impressive backup in T.J. Bass. He's more than delivered with only one hurry allowed over 106 pass blocking snaps and one penalty against all season as well. He brings an added level of grit to the offensive line and helps set the tone up front. All elements that describe starter-caliber play from a reserve offensive lineman.
1) Cooper Rush - It started off rocky, but Cooper Rush is starting to settle the ship for the Cowboys offense. He would be the first to say that his performances against the Eagles and Texans were each disappointing. However, they could have both been taken as his personal preseason after receiving limited snaps in the actual preseason. Rush has taken very good care of the football over the last two week and helped march a steady offensive attack downfield. While he'll never play at the level of quarterback that Dak Prescott can, the Cowboys are now 7-3 with Rush as a starter and 2-2 in 2024. Two records that cannot be taken lightly.
