Young wide receiver showing out early at Cowboys training camp

Jalen Tolbert is trying to prove he should be the third wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.

May 14, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) goes through drills during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys had an eventful first day of practice, although most of the excitement seemed to come from the presser. Jerry Jones was in rare form as he tried desperately to justify his hesitancy to pay Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Jones claimed inconsistency has helped him build his team and compared himself to an option quarterback — like Patrick Mahomes (no, really). In the end, it seemed as though he was just saying words in hopes they made sense to someone but it came across as the audible form of his doodle pad from the Annual Owner's meeting earlier this offseason.

On the field, there were some encouraging signs from the first practice with Jalen Tolbert turning in the play of the day. Tolbert was able to adjust to a pass from Dak Prescott and haul in a tough catch in front of two defenders.

Jalen Tolbert SNAG

Early play of the day candidate here in the red zone#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/6P9P1iScA3

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 25, 2024

Another angle shows just how impressive the adjustment was from Tolbert.

Dak to Jalen Tolbert pic.twitter.com/MVKVlWLHeh

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 25, 2024

Prescott was looking to Tolbert often, and the two seemed to be on the same page.

Dak to Jalen Tolbert pic.twitter.com/ZULLYDKiVt

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 25, 2024

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Cowboys need Jalen Tolbert to step up his game in 2024

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

With CeeDee Lamb holding out, Tolbert was able to play with the first team on Thursday. He took advantage of the opportunity and in the end, that could be a huge help for the Cowboys.

Tolbert is batting for the WR3 position and he has more experience than anyone else in line for the job. Even with that being the case, Tolbert has just 24 receptions in his career.

He's shown flashes but Dallas needs him to finally reach his potential.

There's a long way to go still but his effort on Thursday is encouraging.

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