FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have decided to sideline their star receiver, CeeDee Lamb, for the final two games of the season due to a sprained right shoulder that he has been struggling with since the latter part of the 2023 season. This injury will prevent him from playing in the upcoming matchup against Philadelphia and the last home game against Washington.
Further examinations showed substantial damage, but fortunately, surgery is not anticipated. This means Lamb will finish the season on the sidelines, joining a growing list of injured players as the Cowboys grapple with significant roster challenges.
With this decision, the Cowboys are set to conclude the regular season with at least five former Pro Bowl players on injured reserve. Notable absentees include quarterback Dak Prescott, who suffered a season-ending hamstring tear after only eight games, and right guard Zack Martin, a seven-time All-Pro, who opted for season-ending ankle surgery after appearing in just 10 games.
Additionally, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has been out since Week 4 due to a persistent foot injury, and cornerback Trevon Diggs faced multiple injuries throughout the season, ultimately sidelined by a knee injury after participating in 11 games.
Initially injuring his shoulder during a fall in a 27-21 defeat against Atlanta on November 3, Lamb continued to perform strongly, recording over 100 receiving yards in his final two games before his injury led to this decision to stop playing.
The promising 25-year-old receiver had a standout previous season in 2023, finishing with career highs in receptions (135, the highest in the NFL), receiving yards (1,749, a new franchise record), and touchdowns (12). After a contract dispute led to him missing the entire offseason and preseason, Lamb finally signed a four-year extension worth $136 million at the end of August. However, this season did not see him replicate that impressive performance, contributing to the Cowboys’ struggles.
Currently, the Cowboys hold a 7-8 record and are set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020, which was also Lamb’s rookie year. He ends the season with 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns.
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