Ryan Flournoy is doing exactly what the Cowboys need from him in Oxnard: keeping the momentum going.
After a 2025 season in which he played in 16 games, made four starts and turned 40 catches into 475 yards and four touchdowns, Flournoy had already done enough to lock in his place as Dallas’ WR3 behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. But in the NFL, one strong stretch isn’t enough. The real test is whether it holds up once training camp starts and the workload grows.
So far, it has.
Flournoy has been off to a strong start through the first week, and Thursday was his best showing yet. Rookie safety Caleb Downs has flashed all over the field and looked every bit the first-round talent, but Flournoy gave him a welcome-to-camp moment in one-on-ones. He sold his release well, created the opening he wanted, and hauled in a quick out route.
His biggest moment came in team drills. Dak Prescott rolled to his right and fired on the move, and Flournoy went down and made the catch while sliding.
It was the kind of play that shows more than just hands - body control, concentration, and the kind of trust from Prescott that says a throw doesn’t have to be perfect for Flournoy to finish the job. The pass was still a good one, but the finish was better.
Flournoy was also active on crossing routes during team work, and he got some punt-return reps alongside Downs and KaVontae Turpin.
What stands out most is that this isn’t a one-day burst. It looks like a continuation of the growth he showed a year ago.
Now the expectations are higher, and the signs point toward a bigger role in an offense that already has plenty of firepower. With Lamb and Pickens drawing so much attention, Flournoy should keep finding one-on-one chances.
At 6’1” and around 205-210 pounds, he has the build to work as a power slot and make life difficult for nickel corners.
The key from here is simple: keep stacking days, stay healthy, and carry this into the regular season.
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