The Dallas Cowboys have help on the way, and it’s coming from inside the building. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Wednesday that the team is opening the practice windows for WR Jonathan Mingo and CB Caelen Carson, who started the season on Injured Reserve.

With four games of the regular season down, Mingo and Carson became eligible to return on Monday. By opening the practice window, the Cowboys have 21 days to place them on the 53-man roster. Otherwise, they’d go back to Injured Reserve, this time ending their season.

The Cowboys don’t plan on any of that happening. Instead, Mingo and Carson could not only return to the roster soon but also win major roles.

Based on Schottenheimer’s overall messaging inside the locker room so far, I’d say not right away. The Cowboys’ coach has established a “compete every day” mantra on the team, so to come back from injury and start immediately would be a surprise. However, particularly for Carson, it’s clear the competition is beatable.

The Cowboys are starting Reddy Steward at nickel, who wasn’t even on the roster when the preseason ended — though he’s been a pleasant surprise so far and has played decently. The team also kept Trevon Diggs from starting last Sunday. Doors are open for Carson to compete for playing time right away, and his position flexibility should only help him find a spot. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start soon.

As for Mingo, the door is also open at wide receiver. Though Jalen Tolbert made a tremendous catch on Sunday’s tie to the Green Bay Packers, he hasn’t been dominant enough to be considered a lock for WR3 moving forward. He’s gotten better and better, so it won’t be an easy task for Mingo, but he could earn fight for WR3 snaps if he practices strongly.

First steps first, however. Mingo and Carson will need to prove they’re ready for game action to the training staff before they prove to the coaching staff that they should be getting starting reps.