Michael Gallup Confirms MCL Injury, Won't Be Ready For Week 1

Cowboys' $57 million wideout Michael Gallup updated his left knee recovery at training camp and confirmed the Pro Football Docs' assessment that he suffered an MCL injury in addition to his torn ACL in Week 17.

Gallup, who was placed on the PUP list, said that playing in Week 1 isn't realistic for his rehab timeline.

Reviewing his recent practice footage, the Pro Football Docs are optimistic about the pace of his recovery but believe there's a solid chance he will stay on the PUP list when the season begins, keeping him off the field for at least the first four games. 

Gallup's SIC score for this season is 57, meaning he will produce at approximately half his normal rate, which for his career is an average of 60 receptions for 900 yards and five touchdowns in a 17-game season.

The Docs said in March that Gallup's delayed February surgery was likely due to MCL involvement.

Additional ligament damage routinely complicate recoveries, but Gallup's side-to-side movement at training camp shows solid recovery in the six months since his injury. 

The MCL dictates side-to-side mobility for receivers, whereas the ACL is involved with cutting and deceleration. Those will likely be the last to return for the 26-year-old.

Without Gallup, the Cowboys will rely on new No. 1 CeeDee Lamb, free-agent addition James Washington, and third round rookie Jalen Tolbert.