Moore: Cowboys rookie Lucky Whitehead set to make debut as return man

David Moore

October 9, 2015

Cowboys rookie Lucky Whitehead set to make debut as return man


Rookie Lucky Whitehead hasn't had a chance to return a punt or kickoff in the first four games.

That should change Sunday now that Lance Dunbar is out for the season.

"I think I'm going to have a couple of chances back there and I'm ready to roll,'' Whitehead said. "I'm excited about that.''

The rookie free agent landed a spot on the roster as a fifth wide receiver and a backup return man to open the season. Part of the reason he hasn't made his way onto the field to return a kick yet is because he had trouble fielding the ball in training camp and the preseason.

Whitehead was so excited to make a play he would look down field and make a move as the ball was coming into his hands. He has been working on that and head coach Jason Garrett said he's shown improvement.

"I've got to let the ball come to me, the play come to me, and be relaxed back there,'' Whitehead said. "I think I've gotten a lot better. I feel more poised back there.''

Cornerback Tyler Patmon is the only player on the roster other than Dunbar to return a kickoff this season. He's in the mix with Whitehead. And don't be surprised if backup running back Darren McFadden gets some opportunities.

Kick returns should be fine. I'm worried about his ability to catch the ball cleanly as a punt returner

This makes me so damn nervous.

We've had enough problems with field position, might as well try Whitehead.

I wouldn't mind seeing more of Patmon on returns though to be honest.

Iamtdg said:

This makes me so damn nervous.

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Why? I think this is the perfect game to try him out as a returner. If he does well, great. He starts building confidence. If he fucks up, oh well. It's not like we were going to win this game anyway.

NoDak said:

Why? I think this is the perfect game to try him out as a returner. If he does well, great. He starts building confidence. If he fucks up, oh well. It's not like we were going to win this game anyway.

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Well...you do have a point.

NoDak said:

Why? I think this is the perfect game to try him out as a returner. If he does well, great. He starts building confidence. If he fucks up, oh well. It's not like we were going to win this game anyway.

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Probably not but it might be closer than some think.

L.T. Fan said:

Probably not but it might be closer than some think.

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Whether we lose by 1 or by 30, a loss is still a loss. Although I'd wager it's closer to the latter then the former.

NoDak said:

Whether we lose by 1 or by 30, a loss is still a loss. Although I'd wager it's closer to the latter then the former.

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A complete rout might make things unravel though.

I will be happy with a spirited loss.

The season is not over, but I fear we are at a ledge.

That is why these last two losses sucked so bad.

He is saying the right things. They make logical sense. Hopefully he's not blowing smoke up his own ass. Rather he explodes on the special team scene to our delight. Just let he ball Come to you Lucky. Whew.

boozeman said:

A complete rout might make things unravel though.

I will be happy with a spirited loss.

The season is not over, but I fear we are at a ledge.

That is why these last two losses sucked so bad.

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Playing close could still be a confidence builder.

boozeman said:

A complete rout might make things unravel though.

I will be happy with a spirited loss.

The season is not over, but I fear we are at a ledge.

That is why these last two losses sucked so bad.

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Things could change drastically after the bye. Could be Cassel at QB with Dez and Randy Gregory back.

Personally I have no faith in Cassel but the team could look much different.

boozeman said:

A complete rout might make things unravel though.

I will be happy with a spirited loss.

The season is not over, but I fear we are at a ledge.

That is why these last two losses sucked so bad.

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Yep both were winnable. Win just one of them and it buys us a couple weeks.