When the Dallas Cowboys traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, it didn’t make as many headlines as other moves.
With George Pickens now a breakout star and CeeDee Lamb anchoring the offense, Mingo quietly slipped into the background. Yet as the Cowboys approach Week 12, there are signs that Mingo could finally make his long-awaited debut, giving Dallas additional depth at a position that has been heavily relied upon this season.
Mingo, a former second-round pick by Carolina in 2023, has yet to make a major impact in the NFL. In his rookie season, he recorded five catches for 46 yards and showed flashes of potential, but ultimately remained a secondary option. Despite being brought to Dallas with some anticipation, he has not suited up in the 2025 season through the first 11 games.
In contrast, the Cowboys have leaned on Pickens and Lamb for their offensive firepower, while contributions behind them have come from Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Ryan Flournoy. This makes Mingo’s potential return an intriguing development for both fans and the team.
Jonathan Mingo could finally play
In a recent press conference, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer suggested that Mingo could finally see the field, but with a clear condition: his ability to contribute on special teams.
“Jonathan is a guy we are excited about, we want to see him play,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s been a competitive battle between him and a couple of other guys for that last spot. It comes down not just to offense, but special teams as well. My big thing for Jonathan is just, hey, can you play all the spots, can you do all the different areas?”
This emphasis on versatility is crucial. The Cowboys need players who can impact multiple phases of the game, especially late in the season when injuries and roster limitations can affect depth. Schottenheimer’s comments indicate that Mingo has been working to prove himself in practice and could finally earn the chance to contribute, possibly as soon as this week.
In addition to discussing Mingo, Schottenheimer praised the defensive return of safety Malik Hooker, who came back in Week 11 after missing significant time with a toe injury.
Hooker played 44 snaps against the Raiders and helped bring structure and communication to a Dallas secondary that has experienced considerable changes.
“They really get everything aligned … communications with the changed formations,” Schottenheimer said, emphasizing Hooker and Donovan Wilson’s impact on stabilizing the defense.
For the Cowboys, activating Mingo could provide a valuable boost to a receiving corps that has seen injuries and inconsistent production beyond its stars. For Mingo himself, it represents a chance to finally demonstrate the skills that prompted Dallas to acquire him.
Week 12 may well mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that could prove vital for a Cowboys team still chasing postseason success.
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