Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will miss at least the next two games as he recovers from the high ankle sprain he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per a source.
The team doesn't plan to place Lamb on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games, but the wideout will be considered week to week following his two-game absence, per Rapoport. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke to reporters Monday night and said IR is an option the team is weighing. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters on Monday that Lamb was expected to "miss some time," per The Athletic, and his availability for Week 4's game against the Green Bay Packers was unlikely.
Lamb suffered the injury in the first quarter on Sunday, getting his left ankle rolled up on as he was tackled on a handoff play that was later negated by offsetting penalties. He would later return early in the second quarter but limped off the field in discomfort after running a route, ending his day with zero receptions and just six snaps played in the 31-14 defeat.
The four-time Pro Bowl WR told reporters after the game that he "absolutely" felt he could play the following week, but that will no longer be the case with his long-term availability in mind.
Dallas hosts Packers the on Sunday night and then travels to face the New York Jets in Week 5 in the two games Lamb is expected to miss. The Cowboys head to Carolina and host the Commanders in the following two weeks.
The Cowboys offense struggled to keep up with the Bears' scoring parade without Lamb, who led the team in receiving through the first two weeks with 110- and 112-yard performances.
George Pickens, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Steelers, is the next man up as Dak Prescott's top receiving option for at least the next two games. Pickens produced five receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown for the second straight game last Sunday, but his dropped pass in the third quarter, which was deflected into an interception, ultimately soured his day and prompted Dallas' eventual downfall.
Behind Pickens on the WR depth chart are Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin and Ryan Flournoy while Jalen Brooks, Jalen Cropper and Traeshon Holden await for an opportunity on the practice squad.
Prescott has long relied on Lamb's play-making to keep the Cowboys an offensive force over the past few years. The 26-year-old is coming off four straight seasons of producing at least 1,100 yards and six touchdowns, highlighted by his 2023 campaign of 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 TDs that set multiple franchise records.
Lamb's absence is certainly a blow for the 1-2 Cowboys, but there's a best-case scenario that could have him back with the season still there for the taking.
