Cowboys special teams ace C.J. Goodwin reveals plans to return sooner than expected

After news broke on Monday that Cowboys special teams ace C.J. Goodwin tore his pectoral muscle, reports indicated that the cornerback would miss the remainder of the season. However, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Goodwin revealed his aggressive plan to attempt a comeback within six weeks.

The injury will still see him moved to injured reserve, however, a return to play this season would still be a huge improvement over the initial diagnosis. If his injury doesn’t improve within six weeks, then the plan would be for Goodwin to have surgery.

“I’m going to see if I can play after that. I’ve got pretty good motion right now,” Goodwin said of his left arm, via DallasCowboys.com. “There’s not a lot of strength right now. But I’m going to see where I am. If I can come back and play and not hurt the team, I’m going to try. If I can’t go, I’ll just have the surgery.”

Goodwin signed a brand new deal with Dallas for one year during the offseason. He was a major priority for the Cowboys and now, his loss is a major blow to the special teams unit.

“CJ … I can’t describe how big of a loss that is,” special teams coordinator John Fassel said. “On the game field, you guys see that. But everything he does Monday through Saturday – meeting room, practice field, mentorship, and he’ll still do that. But we’ll miss him on (gamedays). It’s hard one to say, ‘hey, you do this job.’ He’s just different. He’s very special.”

So far this year, the former California Vulcan has four tackles for the Cowboys, including one from Sunday night’s game.

Goodwin played the 2021 and 2022 seasons on a two-year, $3.5 million deal. He was the team’s special teams tackles leader in 2020 and 2021 and followed it up with an eight-tackle season in 2022.

The Cowboys special teamer is in his eighth season in the NFL. He’s had stints with Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Arizona, New York, Cincinnati and San Francisco. However, his tenure in Dallas has been the longest. Goodwin started his Cowboys career playing in three games in 2018 but became a staple in 2019.

Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin questionable

Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin suffered an ankle injury on Sunday against the 49ers that has his Week 6 status up in the air. The former Horned Frog did not practice on Thursday – one of several Cowboys players who sat out.

Prior to his exit, Turpin hauled in a beautifully lofted 26-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott in the second quarter. However, not much else could go right for Dallas on Sunday Night Football, as they were demolished by the 49ers to the tune of a 42-10 beatdown.

The Monroe, Louisiana native played for TCU under Gary Patterson from 2015-2018. He returned to the state of Texas for his chance with the Cowboys where he made the Pro Bowl last season.

In 2022, Turpin recorded 508 kick return yards and another 303 on punts during the regular slate. In the Cowboys’ two playoff games, he totaled 155 yards on kickoffs. As a receiver, he had one catch for nine yards.

If the Cowboys have to manage without their starting kick returner, they’ll likely turn to rookie running back Deuce Vaughn.