CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys walks on the sideline during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 48-32
The Dallas Cowboys may be getting one of their top playmakers back just in time for a crucial divisional matchup. NFLNetwork’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb “has at least a chance”to return forSunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
CeeDee Lamb Has a ‘Chance‘to Return forCowboys in Week 7
“My understanding isit’s not a sure thing, this is probably right around the timewhen atleast it’s possible,”Rapoport said via X. “They did not put him on injuredreserve, actually never had plans to put him on injured reserve. They wanted to keep this window open.”
Lamb has missed the last three gamesafter suffering a high ankle sprain in the Week 3 loss to theChicago Bears. Dallas scored just 14 points in that game after losing its top receiving option early. The offense adjusted in subsequent weeks, putting up 40 points in a tie with the Green Bay Packers, 37 in a win over the New York Jets, and 27 in a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Despite the offense holding up without him,Lamb’s potential return would provide amajor boost. He is one of theleague’s most productive wideouts, coming off a 2023 season where heled the NFL with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Dak Prescott Has Excelled Despite CeeDeeLamb Injury
CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Dak Prescott #4 after scoring a 92 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas
GettyDak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb
WhileLamb’s absence has been significant, quarterback Dak Prescott has still found some success. Lou Scataglia ofNFL Spin Zone ranked Prescott as the No. 3 quarterback in the NFL heading into Week 7.
“With 13 touchdown passes on just three interceptions this year, Dak Prescott rises to third in our QB power rankings and looks likehe’s playing a different game out there,”Scataglia wrote on October 13. “Prescott has thrown 10 touchdown passes on zero interceptions over the past three games, but the Cowboys took a pretty brutal defeat in Week 6 thanks to the Carolina Panthers.”
Scataglia added that Prescott is not part of theteam’s struggles. “You could list out the 100 issues with the Cowboys, andPrescott’s name would not appear anywhere on that list,”he wrote, calling his play “elite football.”
Prescott has leaned on George Pickens and Jake Ferguson duringLamb’s absence. Ryan Flournoy also emerged with 114 receiving yards in the win over the Jets, giving Prescott multiple reliable targets. However,Lamb’s presence would force defenses to account formultiple top threats simultaneously, opening up the passing game even further.
Commanders at Cowboys: Key Divisional Matchup
Sunday’s matchup against Washington carries additional weight. Both teams are looking to climb the NFC East standings behind the Philadelphia Eagles. A Lamb return would give Dallasan important offensive weapon at a crucial time.
Lamb has made four straight Pro Bowls and surpassed 1,100 receiving yards in each of those seasons. His ability to return to form would be a significant development for the Cowboys as they try to stabilize their season after a 2-3-1 start.
The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys playon Sunday, October 19, at AT&T Stadium.