OXNARD, Calif. -- Veteran receiver Tavon Austin said he can see the light again after climbing out of what he described as "the bottom of the barrel" last season with the Los Angeles Rams.

Austin's production dipped last year because he had left wrist surgery in May 2017 to repair a torn ligament and rushed to get back on the field. He also injured his hamstring the third day of training camp with the Rams. He finished with only 13 catches for 47 yards and 59 carries for 270 yards.

Now, Austin is eager to put 2017 behind him and has embraced a fresh start with the Cowboys, who traded for him during the draft.

Austin has lined up just about everywhere at receiver during training camp and has even been targeted deep on passes. He said it's refreshing to be with a new team.

"That's a big difference, because at the end of the day when you go somewhere else then you feel wanted and they're going to give you opportunities," Austin said. "That's all this sport is about, just opportunities and making the most of it."

Austin said last season's struggles helped give him more perspective.

"Last year was probably my hardest year when I took my injury," Austin said. "I didn't respect the game enough. I didn't respect God, and I didn't respect the game. That's what I'm doing again. I'm getting back to leaving the money and all that stuff alone and coming in and playing the sport that I love."

Austin said he could have done more last year with the Rams.

"My work ethic went out the window," Austin said. "I'm not saying I wasn't working hard, but it went out the window. I didn't work as hard as I used to do. After last year it showed me when I sat and rode that bench last year, you've got to respect it. You've got to put in the work.

"Steph Curry can shoot 2,000 shots a day, why are we not doing the same thing with a football catching it? And that showed me a lot about it, and that's why I started taking that approach."

The Cowboys plan to make Austin a key part of their revamped receiving corps without a clear No. 1 target now that they have moved on from Dez Bryant.

Austin could also figure into the running game, although he's received only a few carries in team drills during training camp. He's run the ball on a few fly sweeps while lined up at receiver and at least once received a carry while lined up in the backfield. On Aug. 6 in team drills, quarterback Dak Prescott was lined up in shotgun with Austin to his right. Austin took the handoff for a short gain to the left side.

Austin will also be the Cowboys' primary punt returner, another area in which he struggled a year ago with four fumbles for the Rams.

"It's all about getting the ball in space for me," Austin said. "That's all I really want, get the ball in space and have a little fun and show what God blessed me with."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said one of the highlights from the Cowboys' preseason opener Thursday at San Francisco was Austin, who had two catches for 25 yards in his 15 plays on offense.

"I like the energy [Austin] is bringing," Jones said. "Really, it's Michael Irvin-ish as far as the energy he brings. I know the guys appreciate him."

Earlier in camp new Cowboys receivers coach Sanjay Lal referred to Austin as the Energizer bunny of the group of receivers because of the way he fires up the others.

"That's who I've been since I was 6 years old," Austin said. "Anybody could definitely tell you that."

After five seasons with the Rams, the former No. 8 overall pick could be poised for a bounceback year in Dallas.

"I've always been a front-runner type of guy," Austin said. "I've never been in the bottom of the barrel, but I'm glad I did hit the bottom because it showed me a lot."