Cowboys' Lamb could miss up to four weeks with high ankle sprain
Injury could test Dallas depth as it faces Packers, Jets and Panthers without its top receiver
The Dallas Cowboys could be without star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for three to four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears, ESPN reported. The injury could sideline Lamb for Dallas' home game against Green Bay, a trip to East Rutherford to face the Jets on Oct. 5, and the Oct. 12 visit to Carolina, depending on his recovery. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team would evaluate Lamb's movement day to day, noting the injury is variable and that Dallas would love to have him back for Green Bay but would proceed based on the injury and progress.
Lamb left Sunday's game in the first quarter with 8:34 remaining after Bears linebacker Noah Sewell landed on the back of his ankle and twisted it. If Lamb misses time, the report noted that George Pickens would be relied upon as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver while Lamb is sidelined. Pickens has been productive early in the season, with 13 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns through three games. He also drew attention for an emotional moment on the broadcast, slamming his helmet after missing a catch that led to an interception.
The injury is a blow to a Dallas offense that had leaned on Lamb, who had posted back-to-back 100-yard games entering Sunday. The Cowboys now face a home date with Green Bay, then a cross-country trip to play the Jets, and a road game at Carolina, before returning home for a meeting with the Commanders on Oct. 19. The team has not announced a return date for Lamb; officials say decisions will hinge on recovery progress and mobility tests in the coming days.
The quarterback would be asked to distribute targets to other receivers as needed, and Dallas could lean more on its running game or other pass-catching options depending on the opponent and defensive game plan. The development tests Dallas' depth and scheme integrity early in the season, and how they adjust without Lamb will be a key storyline for the Cowboys in the next few weeks.
