The Dallas Cowboys were dealt concerning news on CeeDee Lamb as the wide receiver attempted to return to play against the Chicago Bears after sustaining an ankle injury in the first quarter. Lamb was initially listed as questionable before briefly returning for one red zone play in the second quarter.
The star playmaker took one snap before limping off the field again. Lamb was spotted on the sideline without a helmet and he did not return during the Cowboys 31-14 loss to the Bears on Chicago.
There is a larger concern on Lamb’s status with the wideout potentially being forced to miss time. The Cowboys (1-2) have not revealed Lamb’s potential return timeline. But Lamb told reporters after the game that his ankle feels alright and he “absolutely” thinks he can play in the Cowboys Week 4 game against the Packers on Sunday Night Football, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
Lamb injured his ankle on a designed run where the wide receiver took a handoff only to have his ankle twisted under a Bears defender during the carry.
Left ankle sprain, likely medial
Sometimes the left MCL (knee) is injured here as well.
This is a very strong (deltoid) ligament, so usually it takes a lot to injure this.
I expect them to tape this up and him to try to play through this.
Lamb also told reporters, “This was one of those protect me from myself type of deals,” according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys coaching staff are sure to face questions about the decision to risk using Lamb as a running back.
Here is what you need to know about Lamb’s injury.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Did Not Return Return vs. Bears in Week 3
All signs point to Lamb’s day being done with a potential concern the star could be forced to miss time. Lamb is not expected to return against the Bears.
“Certainly appears like CeeDee Lamb’s day is over,” The Athletic’s Jon Machota detailed in a September 21, 2025, message on X. “Doesn’t have his helmet.”
If there is a bright spot, it is that Lamb attempted to return to play. The challenge is Lamb did not appear capable of running a normal route during his brief return.
Dallas faces Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 4. Fox Sports showed a still photo of Lamb’s swollen ankle during the broadcast.
Cowboys Star Trevon Diggs Was Able to Play Through a Knee Injury
The injuries are starting to add up for the Cowboys. Star cornerback Trevon Diggs was a late addition to the injury report as the defender deals with a knee issue.
The good news is that Diggs was cleared to play against the Bears after an extensive pregame workout.
“Trevon Diggs will play after going through a 25-minute workout before pregame warmups, according to multiple sources,” ESPN’s Todd Archer noted in a September 21, message on X. “He was added to injury report on Saturday with a right knee injury and had been listed as questionable.”
The Cowboys Face Backlash for Using CeeDee Lamb as a Running Back Amid Injury
Schottenheimer has shown a desire to get Lamb involved in the offense via creative methods. The challenge is all of these varied usages lead to more potential risk for Lamb to get hurt as the playmaker’s swollen ankle can attest.
If there is a counterpoint, it is that Lamb could also get hurt being utilized in his traditional position of wide receiver. Yet, one is a necessity while using Lamb as a running back feels like more of a luxury.
Jadeveon Clowney Was a Surprise Inactive for the Cowboys vs. Bears
One player initially expected to suit up was recent signee Jadeveon Clowney. Throughout the week, Clowney indicated he expected to play against the Bears.
Instead, Clowney was a surprise inactive against the Bears. Clowney could make his Cowboys debut as the team squares off against Parsons and the Packers in Week 4.
Concerning News Emerges for Cowboys on CeeDee Lamb’s Injury