Because the Dallas Cowboys look to seek out their footing after a 1-2 begin, their high offensive playmaker does not seem like he’ll be round to assist.
On Monday, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones offered an replace on vast receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle), telling reporters that the All-Professional may very well be moved to injured reserve, which might require him to overlook at the least 4 video games.
Lamb suffered a high-ankle sprain throughout the first quarter of the Cowboys’ Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, 31-14, however Jones attempted to remain optimistic afterward, saying, “Let’s simply hold our fingers crossed” when requested about his star receiver’s well being.
CeeDee Lamb’s absence could be close to unattainable to exchange
Lamb solely performed seven offensive snaps in opposition to the Bears and did not document a catch. Within the season’s first two video games, the four-time Professional Bowler had 16 receptions for 222 yards. His 13.9 yards per reception are tied for his profession excessive, set in 2021.
Lamb is by far Dallas’ most dynamic and dependable playmaker, and his absence will definitely be felt. The Cowboys are closely depending on their passing assault, rating first within the league in move makes an attempt, averaging 43.7 per recreation. Working again Javonte Williams, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, has been a nice shock, however defenses will be capable to put an added emphasis on stopping the run when recreation planning for Dallas with out Lamb.
Extensive receiver George Pickens, added in an offseason commerce with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is not reliable sufficient to shoulder the load of the passing offense at vast receiver. On Sunday, he dropped a wonderfully positioned move from Dak Prescott, with the ball bouncing off his palms and to Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds for an interception. Afterward, Pickens had an outburst on the sideline, slamming his helmet on the turf as Lamb and others watched.
The Cowboys do not have a protection able to stopping opponents both. By three video games, they’ve allowed 30.7 factors and 397.7 yards per recreation whereas additionally rating final in third-down protection, with opponents changing at a 53.7 % clip.
Lamb is likely one of the two gamers, together with Prescott, that Dallas cannot afford to lose. He is indispensable to the Cowboys offense, which can doubtless have a tough time shifting the soccer in Week 4 in opposition to the top-ranked Inexperienced Bay Packers protection. Video games on the New York Jets (0-3) and Carolina Panthers (1-2) are extra manageable, however the stretch ends with an NFC East showdown in opposition to the Washington Commanders (2-1).
Whatever the opponent, the subsequent 4 weeks — if that’s how lengthy Lamb misses — will likely be an actual take a look at for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. And based mostly on the Cowboys roster, he may be set as much as fail.
