KaVontae Turpin gave the Turpin Cowboys an immediate injury concern on Sunday night when he was hurt on the opening kickoff against the Green Bay Packers and was later reported as questionable to return. For a player who has become such a key part of Dallas’ special teams, that is a significant early blow.
Turpin is in his fifth season with the Dallas Cowboys and has built his value as one of the NFL’s most explosive return threats. In 2024, he led the NFL in kickoff return yards and earned All-Pro honors for the first time, underlining why any setback involving him matters straight away.
What happened on the opening kickoff?
The first reports came quickly after the injury. Todd Archer said Turpin “gets up slow after the opening kickoff,” before adding that he headed to the locker room with a hip injury and was questionable to return. Archer also noted that it could be a big loss in the return game.
Matt Schneidman later reported that Turpin got hurt on the opening kickoff and was questionable to return with a rib injury. Nick Harris also said the Cowboys WR was being walked to the locker room after getting hurt on the opening kickoff.
The exact nature of the injury was still being worked through in the moment, but the immediate impact was clear. If Turpin is unavailable, the Cowboys lose one of their most trusted return options and a player who can change field position in a hurry.
Why Turpin matters so much to Dallas
Turpin’s role is bigger than just occasional touches. He is a return specialist who gives Dallas a chance to gain hidden yards every time the ball is kicked his way, and that value became even more obvious in 2024 when he led the league in kickoff return yards.
That production helped set up a strong 2025 offseason for him as well. In March 2025, Turpin signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract extension with the Cowboys, a clear sign that the team views him as more than a depth piece. He is now one of the most important special teams players on the roster, alongside his work as a wide receiver.
That is why an injury on the opening kickoff is so worrying. Even if Turpin is able to return, the Cowboys will be monitoring his movement closely because his speed and explosiveness are central to what he provides.
A wider concern around a key Cowboys playmaker
There is also a broader context around Turpin that makes this latest setback notable. In July 2025, he was arrested on drug and weapons charges in Texas, which added unwanted attention to what had otherwise been a major rise in importance on the field.
For now, though, the football issue is the most immediate one. The Cowboys simply do not have many players who can replace Turpin’s return ability, and that is why his status after the opening kickoff was so closely watched.
If he cannot continue, Dallas will have to adjust its return plan and find another way to handle field position against Green Bay. If he can come back, the Turpin Cowboys can breathe a little easier. Either way, his injury has already shaped the opening part of the night.
