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The recent arrest of return man KaVontae Turpin is what every coach fears during the down time between minicamp and the opening of training camp. It's worrying season for every organization, but the Dallas Cowboys' situation was made worse because head coach Brian Schottenheimer had done a great job in the offseason of building a strong culture.
Turpin's transgression didn't kill all the momentum built up by the first-time coach, but it was a damper on months of positive work. The arrest could lead to a suspension for Turpin, which in turn could open up a place on the roster for a couple of running backs, as well as a veteran wide receiver. The group who could benefit includes two second-round picks from the 2019 draft, and a fan favorite selected a few years ago.
RB Deuce Vaughn could make a push for a roster spot with Turpin's arrest. In the last two seasons, Vaughn is one of four Cowboys to have a chance at a kickoff return, and the only other current player besides Turpin to return a punt. Being versatile could end up saving Vaughn's job.
Last season, the team also used safety Juanyeh Thomas on kickoff returns, where he saw some success, averaging 24 yards per return, and scoring on an onsides kick against the Washington Commanders. However, Thomas didn't look like a real threat taking the ball back on kickoffs and the veteran safety looks like he's in line for more snaps this season on defense, so another option is needed. The Cowboys can't risk an important part of the defense getting hurt for mediocre returns on kickoffs.
At Kansas St., Vaughn did have seven kickoff returns his freshman year, where he averaged only 20.7 yards before the team used him in a bigger role as part of the offense at RB as a sophomore. In two NFL seasons, Vaughn has only returned kickoffs in the preseason, where he's averaged 26 ypr.
While he hasn't had a single kickoff return in the regular season, Vaughn does have four punt returns in his career. The gains have been modest, but he's the only player on the roster with any punt return experience.
Another possible option who gains if Turpin gets suspended is veteran RB Miles Sanders. The seventh-year RB had 14 kickoff returns as a rookie and averaged over 22 ypr, with a long of 67 yards. Sanders also had 38 kickoff opportunities while at Penn St., where he had minor success.
If Sanders has turned some heads this offseason, the Cowboys could keep the solid veteran RB and cover themselves for a possible Turpin suspension. The only downside is Sanders doesn't offer anything as a punt returner.
WR Parris Campbell might be another unexpected beneficiary of the Turpin arrest. Of the options, Cambell has the best resume as a kick returner. Campbell led the Big 10 in kickoff returns during his sophomore season with an average of 27.8 yards a return. He had even more success the following year with fewer chances, averaging almost 37 ypr.
In the NFL, Campbell has had limited opportunities with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, averaging 24.4 ypr on 15 attempts. Like Sanders, Campbell has no punt return experience.
Turpin's arrest isn't good news overall, but it could give a few veterans on the fringe of a roster spot a better chance at sticking around. There are a few options who could help on kickoffs, but the only real option as a backup punt returner is Vaughn.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: KaVontae Turpin's arrest could open the door for 3 veteran Cowboys
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Turpin's transgression didn't kill all the momentum built up by the first-time coach, but it was a damper on months of positive work. The arrest could lead to a suspension for Turpin, which in turn could open up a place on the roster for a couple of running backs, as well as a veteran wide receiver. The group who could benefit includes two second-round picks from the 2019 draft, and a fan favorite selected a few years ago.
RB Deuce Vaughn could make a push for a roster spot with Turpin's arrest. In the last two seasons, Vaughn is one of four Cowboys to have a chance at a kickoff return, and the only other current player besides Turpin to return a punt. Being versatile could end up saving Vaughn's job.
Last season, the team also used safety Juanyeh Thomas on kickoff returns, where he saw some success, averaging 24 yards per return, and scoring on an onsides kick against the Washington Commanders. However, Thomas didn't look like a real threat taking the ball back on kickoffs and the veteran safety looks like he's in line for more snaps this season on defense, so another option is needed. The Cowboys can't risk an important part of the defense getting hurt for mediocre returns on kickoffs.
At Kansas St., Vaughn did have seven kickoff returns his freshman year, where he averaged only 20.7 yards before the team used him in a bigger role as part of the offense at RB as a sophomore. In two NFL seasons, Vaughn has only returned kickoffs in the preseason, where he's averaged 26 ypr.
While he hasn't had a single kickoff return in the regular season, Vaughn does have four punt returns in his career. The gains have been modest, but he's the only player on the roster with any punt return experience.
Another possible option who gains if Turpin gets suspended is veteran RB Miles Sanders. The seventh-year RB had 14 kickoff returns as a rookie and averaged over 22 ypr, with a long of 67 yards. Sanders also had 38 kickoff opportunities while at Penn St., where he had minor success.
If Sanders has turned some heads this offseason, the Cowboys could keep the solid veteran RB and cover themselves for a possible Turpin suspension. The only downside is Sanders doesn't offer anything as a punt returner.
WR Parris Campbell might be another unexpected beneficiary of the Turpin arrest. Of the options, Cambell has the best resume as a kick returner. Campbell led the Big 10 in kickoff returns during his sophomore season with an average of 27.8 yards a return. He had even more success the following year with fewer chances, averaging almost 37 ypr.
In the NFL, Campbell has had limited opportunities with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, averaging 24.4 ypr on 15 attempts. Like Sanders, Campbell has no punt return experience.
Turpin's arrest isn't good news overall, but it could give a few veterans on the fringe of a roster spot a better chance at sticking around. There are a few options who could help on kickoffs, but the only real option as a backup punt returner is Vaughn.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: KaVontae Turpin's arrest could open the door for 3 veteran Cowboys
Continue reading...