FRISCO, Texas — The offseason is always a time for players to heal and attend to injuries sustained during the season. Cowboys’ wide receiver Amari Cooper nursed an ankle injury and had clean up surgery on Thursday, a source tells D210SPORTS. Cooper posted to his Instagram story describing the “surgery was a success,” as he exited the hospital in a walking boot and wheelchair. No further details of the surgery have been presented at this time.
A bit surprising considering that Amari Cooper’s name was not found on the team’s injury report ahead of the week 17 game against the New York Giants and if the issue was something, he had nursed throughout he 2020 campaign, the Cowboys’ staff never addressed his injury. Cooper was slow to get up after his ankle appeared to be rolled on after getting trapped beneath a Giants’ cornerback when he lunged for the touchdown in the week 17 divisional meeting. However, the injury may have been something he dealt with throughout the season because as NFL players always say, “you are always dealing with something.”
Dallas’ star wideout had a quietly productive season despite the team’s overall record. Even with a makeshift offensive line, a revolving door at quarterback, and the apparent ankle injury, Cooper still surpassed 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career and did not miss a single game. The Alabama product amassed an average of 12 yards after the catch and consistently created separation from corners with his burst in-and-out of breaks. This season speaks volumes about his determination and commitment to the Cowboys.
Regardless, he fought through to make himself available and an open target for quarterback Andy Dalton in the club’s attempt to make a postseason run. That right there is an embodiment of a “fighter” and a testament to the kind of attitude you want in an offensive leader.
No.19 faced relentless criticism last year on road-game splits and questions regarding his effort and finish on routes but this season, he put the doubters to rest. He gave his all between the hash marks every snap to try and give the Cowboys a chance to win and make the playoffs. No way you can fault the No.1 wide receiver for that.
