Cowboys Face Challenges as CeeDee Lamb Sidelined with Ankle Injury

The Dallas Cowboys received disappointing news this week as star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is expected to miss significant time after suffering a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. According to ESPN reports, the injury could sideline Dak Prescott’s favorite target for three to four weeks, creating a substantial void in the Cowboys’ offensive attack. The timing couldn’t be worse for Dallas, who must now adjust their game plan ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Green Bay Packers – a game carrying extra significance following the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade between the teams before the 2025 season.

Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, addressed the situation on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan with measured optimism but realistic expectations. “I think we’ve got to evaluate the full thing and see how he’s moving around as the day goes,” Jones explained. “Certainly, he’s got the high ankle sprain, and every one of those are different. 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 we’ll play it out.” This cautious approach reflects the organization’s understanding of the unpredictable nature of high ankle sprains, which typically require careful management to prevent longer-term complications.

The injury occurred during the first quarter of Sunday’s game when Bears linebacker Noah Sewell fell across both of Lamb’s legs during a rushing attempt. Slow-motion replay revealed Lamb’s ankle twisting awkwardly, though the receiver initially attempted to continue playing. After briefly returning to run a single route, Lamb was forced to exit the game for good, later appearing on the sideline wearing a walking boot. Monday’s MRI confirmed what the team had feared – a high ankle sprain that would require weeks rather than days of recovery. Interestingly, Lamb himself expressed confidence that this was “absolutely” an injury he could play through, showcasing the competitive spirit that has made him one of the league’s premier receivers.

Lamb’s absence creates a significant challenge for the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. He had started the season impressively with back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances before the injury cut short his participation against Chicago. Throughout his career in Dallas, Lamb has proven remarkably durable, missing just three games – one due to a concussion in 2021 and two from a shoulder injury in 2024. “It changes quite a bit,” Stephen Jones acknowledged when asked about the offense without Lamb. “When you’re able to have both out there, it’s a huge plus. Certainly, Pickens can do a great job for us in the role.” This statement highlights the team’s confidence in George Pickens to step up, despite the receiver showing visible frustration during the Bears loss.

The Cowboys’ passing attack will now need to evolve and distribute targets more broadly across the offense. Tight end Jake Ferguson, who has developed solid chemistry with Prescott, will likely see an increased role in the passing game. Additionally, receivers KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert will be asked to elevate their contributions to help fill the production vacuum left by Lamb’s absence. The situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for these supporting cast members to demonstrate their capabilities on a bigger stage, potentially reshaping the Cowboys’ offensive identity during this stretch.

As Dallas prepares for the coming weeks without their star receiver, the team’s resilience will be tested against a competitive schedule. High ankle sprains are notoriously unpredictable injuries that can linger or heal more quickly depending on the individual and the specific nature of the damage. The Cowboys’ medical staff will undoubtedly proceed with caution, balancing Lamb’s competitive desire to return with the long-term health considerations that must take priority. How effectively Dallas navigates this temporary setback could prove crucial to their playoff positioning as the season progresses, making the contributions from their remaining offensive weapons all the more critical in the weeks ahead.