Tragedy struck the sports world last week when it was revealed that 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The news prompted an outpouring of reactions across the NFL, but it has been especially difficult for the Cowboys and Kneeland's teammates, who will be taking the field for the first time since his passing on Monday night in Las Vegas against the Raiders.
Ahead of the game, Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb spoke about the challenge of playing without Kneeland, while emphasizing the opportunity to honor him on the field.
“It's not going to be easy,” Lamb said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I'd be remiss if I told you that we're just gonna go out here and then act like nothing ever happened just last week. For us, it's doing it for him, using it as motivation, and obviously playing with a full heart. Being grateful for what we have and our opportunity, our next opportunity, being here to play our game, and overall, just another day of life."
The Cowboys returned to the practice field on Thursday after their bye week. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, while visibly emotional discussing the situation with Kneeland, made sure to provide support for all coaches and players throughout the week.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he was "proud" of Schottenheimer and how he led the team through a very difficult period at the Dallas facility.
The Cowboys enter the final eight games of the NFL season with a 3-5-1 record. While playing without Kneeland will be challenging, the team has an opportunity to get back into the NFC playoff race if they can string together wins starting on Monday night.
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