Former Cowboys receiver has explosive debut with new team in Week 7

The Dallas Cowboys could have used a reunion with their former Pro Bowl wideout.

Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper (19) reacts after dropping a pass on third down in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. / Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Wide receivers have been a hot topic for the Dallas Cowboys lately, but not in a good way.

Former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and Hall of Famer, Troy Aikman laid into the team's wideouts for their "lazy" route running this season. He didn't absolve Dak Prescott of all the team's struggles but did say the pass-catchers aren't doing enough to help him.

That's why there were calls for a reunion with Amari Cooper, who the Cleveland Browns were willing to trade. Dallas never showed any interest and the Buffalo Bills wound up landing him in exchange for a third-round pick. As fate would have it, Cooper had a day to remember in Week 7.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys trade deadline plans revealed by Jerry Jones

Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Cooper's debut with Buffalo got off to a fast start as he scored a touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Josh Allen.

Amari Cooper's first catch AND first touchdown as a Buffalo Bill!

📺: @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/CaTcKnflc9

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 20, 2024

That score came in the third quarter, and it got Cooper rolling. He finished with 66 yards and a touchdown on four receptions.

His presence seemed to help rookie Keon Coleman as well. The second-round pick had a breakout performance, going for 125 yards. Before Week 7, he had never picked up more than 51 in a game.

Keon Coleman BROKE OUT against the Tennessee Titans:

• 7 targets
• 4 receptions
• 125 receiving yards

Coleman now has 16 receptions, 326 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TD’s.

The Bills really have 2 WR1’s in Coleman and Amari Cooper 😳 pic.twitter.com/2wp8XwjLSD

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 20, 2024

The Cowboys took a lot of criticism for trading Cooper to the Browns in 2022 for a fifth-round pick. He then went on to become the first player in their history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He was traded after Cleveland fell to 1-5 in Week 6.

Sep 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs onto the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. / Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Dallas is hopeful they can get their offense back on track after their Week 7 bye.

CeeDee Lamb has yet to record a 100-yard day. Jalen Tolbert has been their primary WR2 and while he's been solid, he's not someone who can carry the load.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Dallas Cowboys bye week rooting & watch guide for disgruntled fans

Cowboys fans get hopes up after 'Dallas coach is fired' trends

Cowboys fans should hope for the best but prepare for the worst

Dak Prescott, Sarah Jane Ramos engagement video shared by fiancée

Meet Victoria Kalina: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader