While it’s not a green light to play — yet — the Dallas Cowboys might not have to go without NFL All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for an extended period of time.
That’s important, because Lamb’s presence or absence might be the difference in a playoff bid for the Cowboys, who almost certainly have to run the table over their final 4 game to earn a spot in the postseason.
Lamb suffered a concussion in a Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions, slamming his head on the turf trying to catch a pass in the end zone.
“CeeDee Lamb was on the field during open part of practice to the media but he still has to fully clear the concussion protocol before he can return to play in a game,” ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote on X on Wednesday, December 10. “Seems to be trending in right direction.”
Lamb missed 3 games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain. He was officially listed as a “limited” practice participant.
“Cowboys listed WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs among their limited participants in practice today,” NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo wrote on his official X account.
Lamb Dominating Lions at Time of Injury
Making the playoffs might be the only thing that could redeem Lamb’s season in the eye of Cowboys fans.
The sad thing about Lamb getting hurt against the Lions was he was having his best game of the season so far and was dicing up the Lions secondary with 6 receptions for 121 yards when he got hurt.
While Lamb is second on the Cowboys with 57 receptions for 865 yards and 3 touchdowns, he’s largely taken a backseat to wide receiver George Pickens, who is third in the NFL with 78 receptions for 1,179 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Lamb is currently on track to have his lowest numbers since his rookie season in 2020, when he had 74 receptions for 935 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s also been plagued by a series of drops — including 7 total drops in 2 games against the Philadelphia Eagles.
‘Fencing’ Position Causes Concern for Lamb
One of the most concerning things about Lamb’s injury is he appeared to go into the “fencing” position after hitting the ground — made infamous with several concussions suffered by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagolaivoa.
“CeeDee Lamb suffered an ugly brain injury on this play,” neurocientist and concussion expert Dr. Chris Nowinksi wrote on his official X account. “Note Tua-like fingers, an unsettling version of the fencing response which reveals injury to brainstem nuclei. Sad fact: brainstem damage can increase the risk of mental health & psychiatric disorders.”
Cowboys Staring Down 4 Winnable Games
The Cowboys are 6-6-1 headed into a Sunday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15 — the first of back-to-back home games.
Dallas should be favored in 3 of its last 4 games and the other is a toss-up when they host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 before closing the year with consecutive road games against NFC East teams who have already been eliminated from the playoffs with the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day in Week 17 and the New York Giants in the regular season finale.
The Commanders and Giants have a combined record of 5-21 headed into Week 15.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb ‘Trending in Right Direction’ After Concussion