The Dallas Cowboys are known for the star.
It’s your opinion whether that’s the star on the helmet or the stars on the field, but CeeDee Lamb is a big part of both. After suffering an ankle injury in Week 3, there is concern about the receiver’s availability going forward.
While spirits appeared high after Sunday’s game, further tests will ultimately reveal whether those happy thoughts continue for much longer.
Lamb attempted to return to Sunday’s game, but departed again after just one play. Now the focus shifts to his status for Week 4 when the Cowboys welcome an old friend back to town – Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers on ‘Sunday Night Football.’
Here’s the latest on Lamb and how long he might be sidelined.
How long is CeeDee Lamb out?
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones announced in an appearance on 105.3 The Fan that Lamb had suffered a high-ankle sprain. He did not provide a timetable for the wide receiver’s return.
‘We’d love to have him back for Green Bay, but at the same time, we also got to understand the injury is what it is, and it’ll play out,’ Jones said.
That said, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Lamb is expected to miss at least the next two games because of the injury. After that, the veteran wide-out will be week-to-week.
Rapoport also reports Dallas isn’t expected to place Lamb on IR because of his injury. Lamb would have to miss a minimum of four games if placed on IR, so that indicates the Cowboys are hopeful Lamb can return before that four-week timetable.
Lamb had initially expressed his belief he could ‘absolutely’ suit up and return to action in Week 4.
“This was one of those protect me from myself type of deals,’ Lamb said, via Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris after the game.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also expressed optimism following the 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears. Jones told reporters that the ankle injury isn’t as serious as it could’ve been, but didn’t have a timetable for Lamb’s return.
‘Let’s just keep our fingers crossed,’ Jones said, per The Athletic.
CeeDee Lamb injury update
Lamb was officially ruled out of Sunday’s game after suffering an ankle injury.
He initially tried to return to the game at the start of the second quarter, but exited after one play. The receiver didn’t look comfortable on the play and was promptly ruled out of the game.
Cowboys WR depth chart
With a matchup against a solid Packers’ defense on tap, it goes without saying that the Cowboys’ offense would suffer without Lamb. Here’s what the team would be working with on Sunday night:
CeeDee Lamb (injured)
George Pickens
Jalen Tolbert
KaVontae Turpin
Ryan Flournoy
Pickens figures to be Dak Prescott’s top weapon, while Tolbert slides into Lamb’s role.
After being primarily known for his play on special teams, Turpin has carved out a role in this Dallas offense. His impact should only grow due to necessity, but the team will hope it doesn’t have to be that way for an extended period of time.