That season, he was affected with thoracic outlet syndrome; the neurovascular problem was corrected by removing a rib and rerouting an artery and nerve.
He would end up having a year to remember, registering 9 receptions in each of the first two games after replacing Novacek and tying a franchise single-game record held by Jackie Smith.
In 1989, with Gary Hogeboom instead of Neil Lomax as the team's starting quarterback, his production fell to 33 receptions for 360 yards and no touchdowns.
In 1990, Joe Bugel was hired as the new head coach and after Awalt missed three preseason games with a hyperextended right knee, he was surprisingly traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for an eighth round pick (#209-Scott Evans) on August 29.
[4] He was waived on August 31, after falling behind in training camp to Clarence Kay, Reggie Johnson and Shannon Sharpe.