Cowboys set to unleash secret weapon with CeeDee Lamb injured

The Dallas Cowboys will have a hole in their offensive depth chart for the next several weeks with CeeDee Lamb nursing a high ankle sprain.

In his absence, George Pickens is expected to see an increased workload, but there will still be plenty of opportunities for role players to step up. One such player is KaVontae Turpin, who has been excelling at every opportunity this season.

Now with Lamb sidelined, offensive coordinator Klayton Adams says Turpin is “100 percent” ready for an expanded role, calling him “the straw that stirs our drink out here.”

Cowboys OC Klayton Adams was asked whether KaVontae Turpin is ready for an increased workload with CeeDee Lamb out. He said Turpin is 100% ready for it.

“He’s the straw that stirs the drink out there.” pic.twitter.com/Nxfgz3iIWb
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) September 25, 2025

If that phrase sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same one vice president of player personnel Stephen Jones used to describe Ezekiel Elliott in 2019.

Of course, Elliott was a two-time rushing champ, and the bellcow of the offense. Seeing Turbo described the same way as such a player is odd, but it’s true that he’s been a spark of electricity whenever he’s on the field.

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Turpin, who signed a multi-year extension this offseason, has eight receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown as a receiver as well as 19 yards on five rushing attempts. Throw in his 260 yards on kick returns and he’s proven to be a valuable weapon.

With Lamb out, he’s going to get a chance to prove he’s more than just a spark plug, but a true offensive chess piece. And it seems as though Adams expects that to happen.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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