Caleb Downs getting return work!

[blueblood70]

I don't see him being the starting returner because he will be tired coming off defensive drives on punt returns.

My guess is it will be Turpin as the starter and the Cowboys are looking for backups for when (not if) Turpin gets dinged and he might fill that role.

Most teams focus on sure-handed backups for punt returners so that's why you see a lot of defensive backs get that role.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Also this is just the Cowboys covering their bases.

Let's say Turpin gets injured in a game that decides whether or not the Cowboys make the playoffs. The defense forces a punt in the 4th quarter and the Cowboys need good field position. That sounds like a time to put Downs back there.

 

[Amarth]

Also this is just the Cowboys covering their bases.

Let's say Turpin gets injured in a game that decides whether or not the Cowboys make the playoffs. The defense forces a punt in the 4th quarter and the Cowboys need good field position. That sounds like a time to put Downs back there.

In this specific scenario, I agree with you!

 

[shabazz]

I'm Triggered.

Not sure if Im allowed to use that word in 2026 anymore?

But on the bright side ive been using the "R" word like a man posessed........and yes, Im using a hard R.

 

[ratkinson]

Notice how Jaydon Blue is not back there returning punts? Maybe it's a sign the Cowboys plan on using Blue a whole lot more on offense?

More likely it's because he still has issues with ball security.

 

[America's Cowboy]

More likely it's because he still has issues with ball security.

Have you heard of any fumbling issues in practice?

 

[kevm3]

In no way do you put your star player on returns

 

[gimmesix]

More likely it's because he still has issues with ball security.

Might also be due to the fact that he's a kick returner, not a punt returner.

He had zero punt returns in college. He's had zero as a pro. He had three kickoff returns in college and he's had three as a pro.

 

[stiletto]

In the NFC Championship game or Super Bowl...sure. I'd be for it then. Otherwise, I think they are paying a lot of $$ to a guy that's supposed to be good.

 

[ratkinson]

Have you heard of any fumbling issues in practice?

No, that's a good sign.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

I see a lot of fair catch scenarios in our future.

'Splain, Lucy.

 

[jaybird]

Move over Turpin!!! How well do you think Downs will do on returns??

NOOO!

 

[jaybird]

Move over Turpin!!! How well do you think Downs will do on returns??

Jason Seahorn NO!

 

[starfrombirth]

The fact that Deion made game changing plays as a returner on a routine basis made using him on special teams make all the sense in the world.

Sanders with the ball in his hands was a touchdown waiting to happen. In 1998 he basically beat the Giants by himself with a long catch, a punt return TD, and a pick six. A year later against Washington a punt return TD by Deion clinched the win.

Saying using Deion Sanders on returns was stupid is like saying it was stupid for Dante Hall and Devin Hester to return kicks and punts. Like Deion, that was literally their forte'.

I think what made Deion so great at this is that he wasn't just a generational talent. He was an all time great, maybe the best ever with his combination of speed and elusiveness and vision. I'm not like all these people scared of putting there star player back there. Football has 3 phases and special teams is important too plus Deion was the best at making "business decisions". He had every chance to get hurt on defense too. It happens to defenders all the time... taking a hit on the dome, getting smashed by there own safety, etc. Having said all that Turpin is still the better choice.
He's much faster than Caleb with better elusiveness. He may have trouble being a goto receiver on our team but he's one of the best returners in the league.

 

[starfrombirth]

CeeDee used to return punts.

One of those young receivers could force the team to carry six if they played well and the would volunteer for return duty

If I remember right, his last return was one where he was smashed and teammates had to help him off the field, but I still agree with you that players need to play where they can help. Injuries are part of the game.

 

[Bobhaze]

'Splain, Lucy.

Two reasons:

1. If you don’t have a great punt returner, the least he can do is just make a fair catch so you can preserve some field position.
2. If you want to protect a very valuable player while using him as a punt returner, have him make a lot of fair catches to avoid getting hit as much.

 

[KevinT]

PLEASE...fair catch situations ONLY! Let's not be incredibly stupid.

 

[DallasBlockersClub]

Move over Turpin!!! How well do you think Downs will do on returns??

Sounds like a terrible idea

 

[Kwyn]

PLEASE...fair catch situations ONLY! Let's not be incredibly stupid.

I’m hoping this is it. They just want sure hands and judgement

Seems like all of the young guys would begging for special teams reps. Half the reason Turpin is a roster lock is because of special teams

 

[conner01]

Notice how Jaydon Blue is not back there returning punts? Maybe it's a sign the Cowboys plan on using Blue a whole lot more on offense?

Or he scares them with his fumbles. Returnee with his speed would be great. Turpin could get hurt so you need a backup