As the 2024 season approaches, the Cowboys have been clear about their strategy:

lean on rookies and younger players to fill the gaps left by departing veterans in free agency. So far, five of their 2024 draft picks have seen considerable action in the first four games, and Week 5 could increase that number to six.

The recent victory over the New York Giants, however, came with significant injury concerns.

Brandin Cooks, Micah Parsons, and DeMarcus Lawrence will all be sidelined for an extended period.

To navigate these challenges, the Cowboys will look to their original plan: relying on their younger players.

Currently, it’s unclear how long Cooks will be out due to an infection related to post-game injections.

He has already been ruled out for the upcoming matchup against the Steelers.

Head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott have emphasized that it’s time for the young receivers to step up.

The onus will primarily fall on Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Jalen Brooks to fill the void left by Cooks.

This situation also opens the door for rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, who is expected to be activated for his first NFL game.

Flournoy has garnered attention from fans on social media long before Cooks’ injury, and he’s been eager for this opportunity.

Now that it seems his moment has arrived, he is prepared to contribute to the team’s success.

In a recent interview on Dallas Cowboys.

Flournoy shared how much he has learned from Cooks’ leadership in the wide receiver room. He expressed admiration for Cooks, stating, “Just respecting the game, the game of football.

You win, you lose, but the next play, you respect it again by going out and playing your hardest.

Brandin Cooks is an amazing football player, and an even more amazing person. What he’s taught me over the past few months makes me feel like I could play 11 years in the league just like he has.”

Flournoy has previously stated that he models his game after Dez Bryant, and if he can demonstrate that while adding a new dimension to the receiving corps, he may secure a permanent spot on the active roster.

On the defensive side, the injuries to Lawrence and Parsons leave a substantial gap in the defensive line.

To bolster their depth, the Cowboys signed pass rusher K.J. Henry from the Bengals’ practice squad.

However, their immediate strategy for the upcoming games will focus on players already in the system, particularly rookie Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston.

Kneeland is another young player the Cowboys are counting on in the weeks ahead, and this isn’t the first time he’s been called upon.

Earlier in the season, he had to step up following Sam Williams’ ACL and MCL tear, and he rose to the occasion.

In his first four games, he has performed admirably for a rookie, accumulating six pressures and four quarterback hits, placing him among the top rookie defensive linemen, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Now, he faces the challenge of proving he can maintain that performance without the support of established stars.

While it might seem daunting for a rookie to fill in for two significant defensive players, McCarthy hinted that Kneeland’s role will shift this week, and the coaching staff is devising a plan to make things easier for him on Sunday.

Ithink the biggest thing is to own his role,” McCarthy noted.

“His role will be different this week, and without going into specifics, he needs to concentrate on that. He’s been playing in various positions and has special teams responsibilities.

Of all the rookies who have played the first four games, he has covered the most ground in terms of roles.

By Sunday, he’ll be able to focus more and have a streamlined approach.”

The upcoming week, and possibly several weeks leading up to the bye, will be crucial for these young players as they strive to maintain stability until their injured teammates can return.

Coaches and fellow players have confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion.

Although they face significant challenges, they appear ready to tackle them head-on.

In summary, the Cowboys’ strategy to utilize their younger players is more critical than ever.

With key injuries impacting the roster, the opportunity for rookies and younger players to prove themselves is not just a necessity; it’s a chance to showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success as they navigate the early part of the season.

The Cowboys have put faith in their young talent, and now it’s time for that talent to delive