Despite missing the majority of the 2022 season, Tyron Smith returned nonetheless to help the Cowboys down the stretch by any means possible, even if it meant playing a position he hadn't played since his rookie year.

Kelvin Joseph became an unexpected piece for the Cowboys on special teams in 2022, but will he be able to get on track at cornerback in 2023?

Neville Gallimore has dealt with injuries and a crowded DT room in his first three seasons, but as he enters his contract year, this would be the ideal time for him to take that next step.

Trevon Diggs had a lot to live up to after his historic 2021 season. And while he didn't put up the gaudy interception numbers he did the year before, Diggs took his game to a new level as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league.

After an impressive first season with the Cowboys, Bryan Anger followed that up with an equally strong campaign that was highlighted by the longest punt of his career.

Dorance Armstrong's career-year helped lead one of the best defenses in the NFL for the Cowboys in 2022. Now he will look to take the next step in 2023.

Will Grier was possibly just a hamstring injury away from winning the backup QB job last year. Now he's behind Dak and Cooper Rush, but could it be a close race again?

Chauncey Golston gave the Cowboys quality depth in the pass rusher department in 2022 and could be poised to fill that role yet again in 2023.

Micah Parsons is the self-proclaimed "Lion" of the Cowboys defense, but even after earning Rookie of the Year in 2021, he managed to have an even better Year 2, earning a second-place finish in the DPOY running.

In limited snaps during his rookie year, Sam Williams had just 19 tackles, but he was usually making plays in the backfield, recording a team-high seven tackles for loss.

When he was drafted last April, not many expected Damone Clark to play again until 2023. But he returned from an injury to play in 10 games and should be in position for more this season.

The Cowboys had their eyes on Markquese Bell since last April when he was one of their 30 visits to The Star. Signed as a rookie free agent, Bell waited his turn last year but could be ready for a big jump in 2023.

Jabril Cox has yet to make a big impact in his first two seasons, but the former fourth-round pick enters his third season and could be ready for a major role on special teams, if not more.

There were plenty of positives that came from No. 4 Dak Prescott's 2022 season, including his historic playoff performance and Walter Payton Man of The Year award. But the highs did not come without some bumps in the road.

Matt Farniok has started two games in his career and has been a solid backup but his position flex not only gives him a chance to stick around but Year 3 could provide a chance to compete for more.

Despite battling injuries, DeMarcus Lawrence returned to Pro Bowl form in 2022. From setting career highs to nabbing his first touchdown as a professional, it was quite the year for D-Law.

Tyler Smith found his footing during his rookie season with the Cowboys in 2022, setting the tone for what to expect from powerful offensive lineman in his second season in Dallas.

Despite a crowded running back room, Malik Davis still found ways to impress the Cowboys' brass during his rookie season and perhaps keep himself in their future plans.

In his first full season as WR1 for the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb exceeded expectations … and then some.

With so many injuries last season at the CB position, Nahshon Wright showed promise during Year 2 with Dallas and could be ready for an expanded role in 2023.

Jalen Tolbert's rookie season did not go as he or the Cowboys had planned for him in 2022. Will things change for the better in 2023?

Jayron Kearse doubled down on his excellent first season with the Cowboys, blending his stellar play on the field with his leadership and heart off the field and in the locker room.

Center Tyler Biadasz made his first Pro Bowl in 2022, proof that his development took the next step last year.

The Cowboys had a tight end playing on the franchise tag on drafted another in the fourth round, but it was undrafted rookie Peyton Hendershot who became one of the biggest surprises from the position.

By most accounts it was a career year for former first-round pick Malik Hooker. With the secondary in flux this offseason for the Cowboys, could he see an even bigger role in 2023?

In another All-Pro year for Zack Martin, he proved to be a constant for the Cowboys during a season of musical chairs on the offensive line.

Jake Ferguson flashed a lot of promise during his rookie season while becoming a fan favorite. Will he be able to capitalize on it in 2023 with a potential expanded role?

In his second pro season, Osa Odighizuwa took another step forward in 2022. After an impressive rookie year and an even better sophomore campaign behind him, he's proved to be a valuable piece for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys took a chance on KaVontae Turpin after his impressive USFL season. And it certainly paid off as he made the Pro Bowl and became a weapon in the return game.

We renew our "Progress Report" series with a look at wide receiver Michael Gallup, who returned from injury in 2022 and should be ready for another breakout season next fall.