The Dallas Cowboys have had a hectic offseason with the Micah Parsons saga, but now it’s time to play ball. On the opening drive of their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, DE Payton Turner ran off the field with an apparent injury.
What Happened to Payton Turner?
Turner left the Cowboys’ first preseason game with an injury and was down on the field in quite some pain. He jogged off the field without his helmet and headed into the medical tent to be examined by the team.
Payton Turner eventually jogs off without his helmet. He heads into the injury tent.
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 9, 2025
Turner has dealt with injuries in the past with New Orleans, but has been healthy throughout camp. With the drama surrounding Parsons’ future, Turner could see himself thrust into an important role. There were promising signs for Turner when he could jog off the field.
Payton Turner Returns to the Game
Turner can breathe as he was cleared to return to the game after a brief stint in the medical tent. As a player who has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, avoiding a key injury on the first drive of the preseason will mean a lot for Turner.
Cowboys DE Payton Turner is back in the game.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 9, 2025
This is a massive relief for Turner. The Cowboys need to keep their defense healthy. Their star player’s future hangs in the balance, and if they can’t get him back on the field, they’ll have to figure out different pieces to try to replicate even some of Parsons’ pass-rushing dominance.
Dallas HC Brian Schottenheimer is not having his starters play in the preseason opener. Playing starters in game 1 of the preseason is always a risk, as unnecessary injuries can alter the trajectory of the regular season. Turner’s injury can be an example of why playing starters can be a risk. It only took a few plays for Turner to head to the tent, and that could be a significant starter if coaches aren’t careful.
The Cowboys’ defense is nursing some injuries, with rookie Shavon Revel Jr. and Trevon Diggs working tirelessly to return to the field. Even with all the contract drama, Parsons is also dealing with a minor back injury. The Cowboys’ defense cannot afford to lose more players, so Turner’s return tonight is excellent news for Dallas.
Dallas has their eyes set on shocking the world by taking down the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the NFL season opener in Philly. It won’t be easy, and it will take everyone in Dallas to make a statement and put Dallas back in the conversation as a team to fear in the NFC.
