Jan 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Luq Barcoo (27) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season on a touchdown. Gallup has made impressive progress that kept him off the PUP list, and he even participated in the last three Dallas practices.

Still, the Cowboys are being cautious with Gallup before he returns to game action. And on Friday, Dallas officially ruled out Gallup for their Week 1 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) is expected to play after fully practicing on Friday.

For Gallup, it may be frustrating to not be out there yet after getting in three practices (albeit in “limited” fashion), but he’s been making very encouraging progress and shouldn’t be far away. Dallas hosts the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 and travels to face the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 3. It will be interesting to see if Gallup is made active yet for either of those games.

Gallup, 26, has been a very productive wide receiver for Dallas after being a third-round pick out of Colorado State University in 2018. His top season came in 2019, when he had 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. The big-play weapon has averaged 15.0 yards per reception in his career.

In March, Gallup signed a five-year, $62.5 million deal to remain with Dallas.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.