Jalen

Brooks

Uh, yeah. That’s Arizona Cardinals WR2 Jalen Brooks, the former Cowboys 2023 seventh-round pick. Brooks played 43-of-62 snaps. The target tree in Arizona is narrow enough that Brooks still retains no fantasy value even if the seas have parted to allow him this opportunity.

Brooks is one of two wideouts who were elevated from the practice squad for Week 14 against the Rams. The 2023 seventh-round pick is unlikely to much of an impact, even in a room that is not exactly crowded with quality wideouts.

The usual. Grier spent all of 2022 and most of 2024 with the Cowboys practice squad. He’s back to ride again. Joining him on the Dallas practice squad are: LB Justin Barron, WR Jalen Brooks, DT Earnest Brown, G Saahdiq Charles, T Geron Christian, S Alijah Clark, WR Jalen Cropper, RB Malik Davis, TE Rivaldo Fairweather, TE Princeton Fant, CB Kemon Hall, WR Traeshon Holden, LB Buddy Johnson and CB Robert Rochell.

Brooks came on as a deep perimeter target, averaging 14.8 yards per reception. He finishes in the conversation to be one of the Cowboys’ depth receivers down the road. He was ejected Week 17, but had the occasional deep snags throughout the season to keep drives moving. Brooks is a deep-league dart throw heading into next season amidst a murky Cowboys receiver room.

With CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) out, Brooks should see an increased target share if he can suit up although he makes for just a shaky WR6. Brooks has earned just 29 targets this season and averages 0.82 yards per route run. Fantasy managers in need of a reliable flex should look elsewhere. Brooks profiles as more of a single-game DFS option.

Brooks has gotten in limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday after missing the Week 16 win over the Buccaneers. Because of a plethora of injuries for Dallas he could see some targets in Week 17 against the Eagles, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere even if he does get the chance to play.

No real surprises here as the Cowboys limp towards the offseason with their worst record under head coach Mike McCarthy. They have continued with the effort despite their weak record and backup quarterback, something that could turn Sunday Night Football into a back-and-forth affair.

Brooks was added to the injury report on Thursday before being downgraded to a DNP on Friday, indicating he suffered a serious knee injury during practice. He scored his first career touchdown last week but will have to wait for an encore.

Brooks came down with his first career touchdown midway through the third quarter. Cooper Rush threaded the needle between two defenders and Brooks laid out to make the grab. Brooks is still operating as the Cowboys’ fourth receiver and isn’t on the fantasy radar for Week 16. The 2023 seventh-round pick is, however, a name to know in deep dynasty leagues.

It was the highest volume of targets Brooks has had since Week 6, where he had six in a blowout loss to the Lions. Brooks also set a season-high with the two catches. We’re very happy for him. He is not a recommended fantasy football play in any format at this point.