CeeDee Lamb’s Return to Action
CeeDee Lamb, the wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, was a late addition to the injury report due to a back issue. Despite being limited in practice, he was active for the Week 11 game against the Houston Texans. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed minimal concern about Lamb’s availability after observing him on Sunday. Lamb led the team in catches and yards against the Texans, recording eight receptions for 93 yards. However, he had some miscues, including an illegal motion penalty and a miscommunication that led to an interception. Lamb tied an NFL record for most consecutive games with at least four receptions, matching Michael Thomas.
Injury Woes for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have faced significant injury issues this season. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. He reportedly partially tore his hamstring off the bone and will undergo surgery. The Cowboys will rely on backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance for the rest of the season. Rush has an 0-2 record as a starter this year, setting career-highs with 354 passing yards and 55 attempts against the Texans. He threw one interception, lost a fumble returned for a touchdown, and completed a TD pass to KaVontae Turpin.
Defensive Struggles and Player Updates
The Cowboys’ defense has also been hit by injuries. Pass rusher Micah Parsons missed four games due to an ankle injury but returned to action against the Philadelphia Eagles. Demarcus Lawrence is on injured reserve with a foot issue. Jourdan Lewis was ruled out of Week 11 due to a neck injury, and DaRon Bland remains out with a foot injury. Trevon Diggs picked off his first pass since Week One, marking the Cowboys’ first red-zone takeaway in over a year.
Offensive Line and Special Teams
The Cowboys’ offensive line has seen changes as well. Chuma Edoga has opened his practice window as he recovers from a toe injury but has yet to play this season. On special teams, kicker Brandon Aubrey made two long kicks but missed a crucial 40-yard field goal in the second quarter. He hit a 53-yarder and had a successful 64-yard kick negated by a penalty. Aubrey became the first kicker in NFL history to have multiple seasons with at least ten field goals of 50+ yards.
Running Back and Tight End Updates
The Cowboys have made changes in their running back lineup, naming Rico Dowdle as the lead running back, replacing Ezekiel Elliott who has underperformed this season. Tight end Jake Ferguson was ruled out for the remainder of Monday’s game against Houston due to a concussion after catching one pass for eleven yards. Hunter Luepke was inactive for Week 11 due to injury concerns, with Princeton Fant elevated in his absence.
Stadium Incident Raises Concerns
A large piece of metal fell from the roof of AT&T Stadium onto the field, raising concerns about the safety of the upcoming Monday Night Football game between the Cowboys and Texans. The incident occurred as Dallas was preparing to host the Texans, marking a continuation of a challenging 2024 NFL season for the Cowboys. This was the first time in two years that the stadium’s retractable roof had been opened, but it was quickly closed again after the mishap. Despite this incident, there has been no indication from team officials or the league that Monday Night Football will be postponed or suspended.
Upcoming Games and Draft Prospects
The Cowboys are set to host the Texans on Monday Night Football, marking the final game of Week 11. If the season ended today, the Cowboys would be within the top 10 picks for the 2025 NFL Draft, giving them a chance to select a top player. The draft will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round scheduled for April 24. The Cowboys’ current record stands at 3-6, placing them third in the NFC East. They have lost five consecutive games, including a 34-10 defeat to the Texans, marking a season filled with poor play and injuries.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys navigate through a season filled with challenges, they aim to overcome injuries and improve their performance. With key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb facing setbacks, the team will rely on their depth and resilience to turn their season around. The upcoming games will be crucial for the Cowboys as they strive to end their losing streak and secure a better position in the draft. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Cowboys respond to these challenges and what changes they might make to improve their fortunes.
