Michael Gallup opens up about ongoing recovery from knee injury

Michael Gallup spent all of last offseason worrying about his health. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2021 season against the Arizona Cardinals, being his second major injury of the campaign. Gallup just wanted to get back on the field, making sure his physical health was back to 100%.

Eventually, the goal was met and Gallup made his season debut in Week 4. He wound up playing in 14 games but was not the same player the Cowboys gave a five-year, $57.5 million contract. A career low in yards and yards per reception was recorded by Gallup.

Part of the reason was due to Gallup not being mentally ready to once again play in the NFL. He recently admitted as such, saying he needed to get over the hump. Now, the confidence is rebuilt and the wide receiver is ready to get back to his normal self.

“Mentally, it’s up to 100 percent,” Gallup said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “Last year, obviously the mentals weren’t there. I knew my leg was good. I knew I was straight, but I still had to get over that little hump. … I’ve already (rebuilt the confidence). That’s why we had OTAs and all that good stuff. I definitely rebuilt it.”

As Gallup mentioned, OTAs have taken place and were something he really needed. Now, the focus can be switched to training camp as the Cowboys just landed in Oxnard. Gallup will get a full offseason of work with quarterback Dak Prescott and attempt to establish himself in a new-look Dallas offense.

Dallas desperately missed Gallup’s production as well. Outside of CeeDee Lamb, Prescott did not have another real receiving target. This caused for the Odell Beckham Jr. drama all season before eventually signing T.Y. Hilton. A mixture of things went wrong for the Cowboys but an inconsistent pass game did not really help.

Now back at 100% health, both physically and mentally, Gallup will be hoping to get back to his normal self. Gallup’s rebuilt confidence could mean getting a 1,000-yard receiver back in the lineup for Dallas. Even if he is not able to reach that high, having nearly 60 receptions and around five touchdowns is a valuable asset.

More than anything, a consistent No. 2 for Prescott. Especially as Kellen Moore leaves town in favor of Los Angeles and Mike McCarthy takes over play-calling.