Dallas Cowboys fans will have to wait a little longer for one of the most trusted voices covering America's Team. Todd Archer, the longtime ESPN reporter who has been the go-to insider for all things Cowboys, announced he will not be on the sidelines when training camp kicks off this week.
Archer was scheduled to fly to Oxnard, California, on Sunday, July 26, to join the team as they begin preparations for the 2026 season. But instead, he’s starting camp on the non-football injury list — a twist that has the Cowboys community sending well wishes his way.
“Some personal news: I was supposed to travel to Oxnard today, but instead I will open Cowboys training camp on the non-football injury list. Had some health issues recently and need to improve. But the plan is to be there Aug. 1, jumping right into the 2026 season,” Archer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The timing is notable for a Cowboys squad that missed the playoffs last season and is hungry for a deep postseason run. With a revamped coaching staff that includes Will Grier as an offensive assistant under Brian Schottenheimer, the team is looking to turn the page. Archer’s absence means one of the sharpest eyes on the beat will be catching up from home for the first few days.
Fans flooded social media with messages of support, echoing the sentiment that health comes first. “Sending positive thoughts! See you in Oxnard, sir!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Get well soon and pray all comes out well.” The outpouring mirrors the kind of community support seen recently when SEC reporter Alyssa Lang fired back at body shamers — a reminder that reporters are human too.
Archer’s update comes as the NFL world prepares for a busy camp season. The Cowboys are one of several teams with major storylines, including Nick Bosa’s clearance for 49ers camp after ACL recovery and the Ravens cutting Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia just before camp. But for Cowboys faithful, the focus remains on their team’s resurgence under a new offensive scheme and a defense looking to bounce back.
Archer’s absence, while temporary, leaves a void in the early camp coverage. Known for breaking news and deep analysis, he’s arguably the top NFL insider covering the Cowboys. His planned return on August 1 gives him just enough time to catch the start of padded practices and the real grind of camp.
“Take care of yourself Todd. Looking forward to getting you back covering the Cowboys soon,” one fan wrote, summing up the mood. For now, the beat goes on without its most familiar face — but the hope is that Archer will be back in the huddle before the first preseason game.
Our thoughts are with Todd as he recovers. Get well soon, and see you in Oxnard.
