News: BTB: Cowboys WR Deonte Thompson will finally get his opportunity to shine over the next two

[NewsBot]

Coming off a sore achilles, Deonte Thomson is looking to prove himself to the Cowboys coaches.

When the Cowboys signed Deonte Thompson to a one-year, $1.8 million dollar deal in free agency back in March, they envisioned him playing a role in the Cowboys offense. They saw a guy who could separate downfield using his speed and route-running ability. So far this offseason, Deonte Thompson has spent most of his time on the sideline nursing a sore achillies. From the looks of it, Thompson will see his first game action tonight against the Cardinals. Thompson started off training camp strong with a good showing in the first couple of practices before getting hurt.

Thompson has been the definition of a journeyman since entering the league in 2012. Entering his eighth-year in the league, Thomson has spent time with five teams, and has yet to have a season where he’s had more than 450 yards receiving. In fact, his career numbers, look more like some WR1s season numbers. Since 2012, Thompson has hauled in just 77 receptions for 1,032 yards, and four touchdowns. Those numbers are nothing to get excited about, but Thompson’s play at the end of 2017 is something to at least be a little excited about.

Unfortunately for Thompson, Dak Prescott will probably not be playing, so he will likely be catching passes from Cooper Rush and Mike White. Thompson is currently battling it out for the final receiver spot with Lance Lenoir and Noah Brown. Brown has been sidelined all offseason, so his chances of coming out on top are slim to none. Lance Lenoir on the other hand has had an excellent training camp and has made a strong push to make the final 53-man roster.

It’s tough to even guess who may have the upper hand right now between Thompson and Lenoir. Thompson played under Sanjay Lal in Buffalo, and the receiving room lacks the speed element that Thompson brings to the table. But for Lance Lenoir, it’s hard to find someone who has put in as much work, and has as much success this preseason and training camp.

Deonte Thompson will need to prove over the next two preseason games and final training camp practices that he belongs on the Cowboys roster. Thompson should get plenty of opportunities at both receiver and return man tonight for the Cowboys, if he wants a spot on the 53-man roster, he will need to take advantage of every opportunity he gets the rest of the offseason.

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