The Dallas Cowboys have shut down their star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the remainder of the NFL season due to a shoulder injury that has worsened over recent weeks. Lamb, who made his second straight Pro Bowl this year, has been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder since a loss to the Atlanta Falcons on November 3rd.
The 25-year-old receiver aggravated the injury on a weekly basis and had further examinations this week which revealed the shoulder issue had deteriorated. With the Cowboys officially eliminated from playoff contention, the team made the difficult decision to sit their top wideout for the final two games.
In a statement, the Cowboys said Lamb is not expected to require surgery and should make a full recovery through rest and rehabilitation. He becomes the fifth Dallas Pro Bowler to have his season end prematurely, joining:
- QB Dak Prescott (hamstring)
- RG Zack Martin (ankle)
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot)
- CB Trevon Diggs (knee)
Lamb’s Impressive Season Cut Short
Despite battling the shoulder injury for over half the season, CeeDee Lamb was in the midst of a career year before being shut down. The fourth-year pro ranks second in the NFL with 101 receptions and third with 1,194 receiving yards.
Lamb, who signed a massive 4-year, $136 million contract extension in August, put up these impressive numbers despite the Cowboys losing starting QB Dak Prescott to injury. He developed a quick rapport with backup Cooper Rush, posting back-to-back 100-yard games the past two weeks before the team decided to end his season early.
The talented receiver became only the third player in NFL history with 100+ catches in three of his first five seasons, joining Michael Thomas and Brandon Marshall. His 496 receptions are the second-most by any player in their first five years, behind only Thomas (510).
While hugely disappointing for Lamb to have his outstanding season cut short, the Cowboys are wisely playing it safe with their franchise receiver. Getting the shoulder fully healed now should enable Lamb to come back strong in 2024 as the centerpiece of the Dallas passing attack.
Cowboys Thin at Receiver Without Lamb
Losing a player of CeeDee Lamb’s caliber is a massive blow to the Cowboys offense for the final two games. The receiving corps is now very thin and inexperienced behind veterans Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert.
Rookie wideouts Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks are the only other receivers on the 53-man roster. The Cowboys could look to elevate Jalen Cropper or Kelvin Harmon from the practice squad for additional depth.
While the 7-8 Cowboys are out of postseason contention, they still have a chance to end the season on a positive note against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. It will certainly be a challenge without their top playmaker in Lamb, but it also presents an opportunity for the young receivers to step up and show what they can do with expanded roles.
Lamb Reflects on Season, Looks Ahead to Return
For CeeDee Lamb, having his best NFL season abruptly halted by injury is a tough pill to swallow. But the 25-year-old star is staying positive and already looking ahead to coming back better than ever in 2024.
“It’s disappointing to have my season end like this, but it’s the best thing for my long-term health. I’ll use this time to get my shoulder back to 100% so I can return next season better than I’ve ever been. This is just a temporary setback that will fuel me to come back even stronger.”
– CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
After establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers, the driven Lamb will be on a mission in 2024. Expect him to attack his rehab with intensity as he aims to take his game and the Cowboys offense to even greater heights next season. The best is likely still to come for the immensely talented 25-year-old wideout.
