Ryan Flournoy does little as WR3 in Dallas loss

Flournoy continues to operate as the clear WR3 behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, typically incapable of returning viable fantasy production in their shadows. He hit for a 48-yard reception at the end of the second quarter to set up a go-ahead field goal entering the break, otherwise remaining about as quiet as we would expect. This was the first game in 2026 over a modest 37 yards for Flournoy, who could be tasked with additional emphasis in the immediate future after Lamb departed with a quad injury in the fourth quarter. He could be worth a speculative add ahead of a Week 6 meeting with the reeling Packers.

Flournoy has been held to exactly 22 or 23 yards in each of his first three games of the season, but the trend of Dallas passing more is pretty good for him. He’s got 21 targets over his last three games. It’s not anything beyond FLEX production yet but Thursday night games can be weird and that’s where Dallas will be next week against the Buccaneers.

Flournoy is now under contract through the 2027 season. The 26-year-old receiver caught 40 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns last season, while finishing third among Cowboys receivers in routes run (273) and fourth on the team in targets. It was reported earlier this summer that he was seeing more snaps in the slot, but it’s hard to imagine Flournoy making enough of an impact to be fantasy-relevant as long as CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson are healthy.

Archer mentioned Flournoy as the biggest surprise for the Cowboys so far this offseason. The third-year receiver totaled 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns last season, and played 34.4 percent of his snaps in the slot. The Cowboys ran the fourth-most plays from 11 personnel last season, per TruMedia. While it’s possible that Flournoy’s increased slot role leads to more production, fantasy managers should take this with a grain of salt. As long as CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson are healthy, Flournoy will face an uphill climb to improve on the 3.8 targets per game he averaged last season. That said, if either Lamb or Pickens were to miss time, Flournoy could have some streaming upside in deeper leagues after he posted a few 100-plus yard games last season in games where either Pickens or Lamb were sidelined.

Schottenheimer believes the 2024 sixth-round pick “has a chance to be a terrific receiver in this league.” He currently projects as the Cowboys’ WR3 and will likely carry that distinction into the regular season. Flournoy is a worthwhile best ball pick right now, but it remains to be seen whether he will warrant consideration in 12-team re-draft leagues late in August. Flournoy posted a 40/475/4 receiving line last season, while upping his yards per route run average from 1.06 to 174. It will be difficult for him to be anything more than a volatile WR5/WR6, but he will deliver a few spiked weeks.

In other words, he expects Flournoy to confine KaVonate Turpin to a gadget role. Flournoy produced in his limited chances last year and, if a surprise George Pickens trade comes to fruition, could have real fantasy upside in 2026. As is, he’ll have WR5/WR6 appeal in what profiles as the third or fourth option (alongside tight end Jake Ferguson) in a good passing offense.

With the Cowboys leaning heavily on their backups in this one, Flournoy led the team in targets and receiving yards. In fact, he was the only player who had more than three targets in this one. That will end a solid season for the 26-year-old, who had 40 catches on 56 targets for 475 yards and four touchdowns. He had a few big games for the Cowboys when CeeDee Lamb was forced to miss time with injuries and figures to be somebody the Cowboys look to retain this offseason. Flournoy will be a restricted free agent, so Dallas’ ability to hold onto him will depend on whether or not any other team falls in love with him in the offseason.

He’ll get some work in with Dak Prescott in the finale. Flournoy has showcased some big play ability and nearly had a two-touchdown game against the Chargers in December before leaving with an injury. He’s a potential WR4/WR5 play this week.

Flournoy is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 16 against the Chargers. He failed to get in a full practice on a short week and is now ruled out, making KaVontae Turpin the Cowboys’ No. 3 wide receiver for the week. The Cowboys also declared LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Caelen Carson, RB Jaydon Blue, DT Jay Toia, and DT Perrion Winfrey inactive for Week 17 against the Commanders. Overshown is out with a concussion suffered in Week 16.

Flournoy was estimated to be a limited participant for Monday’s walkthrough. The team then listed him as DNP on Tuesday. He remained a DNP today, though it was another walkthrough. We don’t like his odds of suiting up for the Cowboys’ Christmas game against Washington. KaVontae Turpin has been cleared for Week 17 and would take over as the team’s No. 3 receiver if Flournoy can’t go.