🔥 SHOCKING MOVE IN DALLAS: Cowboys Make a Bold Decision to Bench Former Starting Wide Receiver for Week 12 Clash Against the Eagles — A Game-Changing Call That Has Fans, Analysts, and Teammates Buzzing About the Impact on the NFC East Showdown.

The Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 in an NFC East showdown.

Dallas enters this game with a healthier roster than what they’ve been accustomed to in 2025. That began in Week 11 when several defensive starters were back after missing time due to injury. Now, it’s the offense where a big return is being made.

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Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, who was emerging as a breakout candidate during training camp, is set to make his debut. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder missed the first 10 games due to a knee injury, but is ready for action against the Eagles.

With Mingo suiting up, that leaves Jalen Tolbert sidelined. The team’s 2024 touchdown leader is a surprising healthy scratch. This is the first time Tolbert has been inactive since his rookie season in 2022.

Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert is INACTIVE today for the first time since his rookie season.

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 23, 2025

Cowboys shockingly bench former starting wide receiver in Week 12 vs. Eagles

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert reacts after making a first down against the Washington Commanders. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Tolbert was asked to step up in 2024 when Brandin Cooks suffered a knee injury, and the former third-round pick responded well. He had 49 catches for 610 yards and seven touchdowns, including a game-winning score on fourth down against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.

— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2024

This season, Tolbert hasn’t been involved in the offense nearly as much. After 11 games, he has just 14 receptions for 172 yards with one touchdown. The presence of George Pickens has played a part in his drop, but so has the emergence of Ryan Flournoy.

MORE: Cowboys build elite defense with two 1st-round difference-makers in recent mock draft

The second-year receiver has been making strides for Dallas, entering Week 12 with 17 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

Tolbert’s lack of usage led to rumors that he could be dealt at the NFL trade deadline, but nothing ever materialized. With Mingo back in the mix, as well as Flournoy’s ascension, it’s fair to ask if we will see Tolbert again this season.

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