Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper wants to be better than he's ever been

Amari Cooper wants this season to be different from his others, he told Sooners Wire reporter Brianna Dix. The former Alabama receiver and four-time Pro Bowler is entering his seventh year in the NFL.

“I’ve been rehabbing so hard,” Cooper said. “Just trying to be the best Amari Cooper that I can be, trying to be better than I’ve ever been. I’ve been talking to myself a lot lately about how I want this year to be different than any year that I’ve played football.”

Cooper remains on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing ankle surgery in January. He told ESPN’s Todd Archer that he didn’t feel 100 percent yet, but the surgery will allow him to play free of pain in 2021.

He was seen at practice Tuesday running routes with quarterback Dak Prescott.

Prescott is recovering from an injury of his own. The Cowboy quarterback went down in Week five with a fractured ankle that ended his season. Cooper still managed a career-high 92 receptions along with 1,114 receiving yards this past season without Prescott. Seeing the two together again has to be a welcome sight for the Cowboys.

Dallas acquired Cooper in a trade with the Raiders in 2018. The Cowboys made the playoffs his first season, but failed to do so each of the past two years. With their stars healthy, they’ll aim to end that streak in 2021.

The Cowboys have a star-studded offense that also includes running back Ezekiel Elliott. On paper, they look like a team that should be a regular in the postseason. Yet, since Prescott and Elliott arrived in 2016, Dallas has just two playoff appearances.

Injuries are partly to blame — especially last season — but the lack of consistency has to change. Cooper believes he is ready to be a part of that with his best season as a pro. The 27-year-old is entering the prime of his career, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him take another leap.

If Dallas is to be the team many believe it can be, Cooper and Prescott’s health is paramount. The NFC East looks relatively open for the taking, though the Giants bring back Saquon Barkley from injury. Dallas has the offense to overpower them still, thanks to a better passing attack.

After three straight 1,000-yard seasons, how much better can Amari Cooper get this year?

Photo courtesy of Emilee Chinn/Getty Images.