The 2024 season has been one of constant change for the Dallas Cowboys, with inconsistent player performances and a rash of injuries on both sides of the ball forcing the team to make adjustments throughout the year.

As the Cowboys approach their final seven regular-season games, the focus is shifting from trying to salvage the current season to planning for the future.

Given this, the team should look to give more playing time to two specific players who could be part of that future: wide receiver Kavontae Turpin and cornerback/safety Israel Mukuamu.

1) WR Kavontae Turpin

The Cowboys’ offense has struggled mightily in 2024, and things have only worsened since quarterback Dak Prescott’s injury.

In fact, Dallas’ offense has often looked like one of the least effective units in the NFL this season. In their most recent loss to the Texans, the team was unable to find offensive balance or protect the football.

However, one bright spot came when Turpin made a game-changing play—taking a quick slant pass for 64 yards and scoring Dallas’ second-longest offensive touchdown of the season.

Turpin’s speed was on full display during this play. He reached a top speed of 22.36 mph, the fastest recorded speed by any ball carrier in the NFL this year.

This explosive burst could be just what the Cowboys need as they continue to struggle on offense.

The 28-year-old wide receiver, who is set to become a restricted free agent at season’s end, could prove to be a valuable asset in Dallas’ future plans.

If the Cowboys are only using Turpin as a kick/punt returner and a depth option at wide receiver, they may not see the full potential of his game-changing abilities.

With his speed and playmaking potential, Turpin deserves more opportunities on offense in the coming weeks.

If the Cowboys don’t explore this avenue, they risk letting a potential impact player slip through their fingers, especially with so many other roster needs that might make it difficult to retain him.

2) CB/S Israel MukuamuWith Jourdan Lewis, the Cowboys’ starting slot cornerback, sidelined for their recent game against the Texans, Dallas gave 24-year-old Israel Mukuamu a chance to step up.

Mukuamu has been a versatile player for the Cowboys, often shifting between cornerback and safety, but his opportunity to start in the slot was a key test for his future role on the team.

While he was beaten badly on one play by Texans receiver Nico Collins, Mukuamu showed promising signs for much of the game.

One of Mukuamu’s strongest assets is his physicality and size—standing at 6’4″, he is able to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, a trait that could be valuable in a starting role.

In total, Mukuamu played 38 defensive snaps, his most of the season, and allowed three receptions for 52 yards, with 33 of those yards coming on the long catch by Collins.

This was a mixed performance, but it was a step forward in showing that Mukuamu has the potential to take on a bigger role in the future.

Looking ahead, it’s worth considering that Jourdan Lewis may not be with the Cowboys beyond this season.

Given his strong play this year, it’s likely another team will offer him a more lucrative contract than Dallas is willing to match.

If Lewis departs, the Cowboys will need to look internally to fill the void at the slot cornerback position. Mukuamu, who will also be a free agent at season’s end, is a much younger and potentially cheaper option to consider.

The Cowboys will need to assess whether Mukuamu is capable of stepping into a starting role, especially as they look to address other roster holes in the coming years.

As Dallas finishes the 2024 season, giving both Kavontae Turpin and Israel Mukuamu more playing time will help the team make informed decisions about their future.

These players could provide much-needed depth and potentially grow into significant roles in the Cowboys’ defense and offense.