Taco Charlton, the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick in 2017, is about to enter an important third season in the NFL. The defensive end has yet to establish a major role with his team, and now he's had his second medical procedure of the 2017 offseason.
Last January, Charlton had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder immediately following Dallas' exit from the playoffs. Now Taco has reportedly had a minor scope of his ankle within the last week.
Another minor setback but we working to get back right over here 🤞🏿 no let off the gas! pic.twitter.com/u01EkvcPYT
— Taco Charlton (@TheSupremeTaco) May 14, 2019
Cowboys source said Taco Charlton had a scope on his ankle. Source told @TheAthleticDFW it's not considered a big deal.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) May 14, 2019
As Watkins said, the scope isn't a “big deal” on its own. But that means Taco is now dealing with two different issues, and perhaps will be limited when Organized Team Activities begin in the coming weeks.
For a guy who's already struggling to establish himself, any missed time or additional hindrances could become bigger deals.
Clearly not ready to place their confidence in Taco as a starter for 2019, Dallas was active this offseason at defensive end. They traded for veteran Robert Quinn and signed free agent Kerry Hyder. They also drafted Miami's Joe Jackson in the fifth round, and Jalen Jelks in the seventh, of the 2019 Draft.
These moves are in addition to re-signing DeMarcus Lawrence and still having Dorance Armstrong. There is even hope that Randy Gregory will still be able to play next year.
Taco Charlton should still get a shot to compete, only entering his third professional season. But the Cowboys are obviously prepared in case it doesn't work out.
Hopefully, these offseason medical issues don't impede Taco's progress.
