The Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb suffered a high-ankle sprain during the team’s Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Bears linebacker Noah Sewell landed on Lamb’s ankle, causing it to twist awkwardly. Lamb was forced to leave the game and did not return, which marked only the second game in his career where he finished without a reception.
In the earlier injury updates, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport had said that his understanding is the Cowboys believe this is a high-ankle sprain for CeeDee Lamb. Rapoport added, “Lamb is going to have some tests today (Monday) just to determine the severity. Generally, high-ankle sprains take four to six weeks to heal.” But here comes the latest update on Lamb’s injury by NFL injury-experience Doctor Jesse Morse.
Medical Assessment and Expert Doctor’s Opinion on CeeDee Lamb’s Injury
NFL injury expert Dr. Jesse Morse provided an analysis of Lamb’s condition on his X account. He noted that Lamb’s high-ankle sprain might also involve a minor medial (deltoid ligament) injury. Dr. Morse explained, “That may have ‘saved’ him and prevented him from having a grade 3 full-thickness tear, which would have required surgery (tightrope) and sidelined him for 6–8 weeks.” But most importantly, the Doctor added, “I think returning in 3 weeks is realistic, but 2 weeks is possible. IMO he won’t be 100% back to pre-injury until the 2026 season.”
So, Lamb might be back on the field soon, that is, earliest in the Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 12 or Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders on Oct. 19, if everything goes well. Sadly, however, it’s wise to expect he won’t be fully 100% until next season.
The Cowboys are preparing for a 3–4 week absence for Lamb, which would sideline him for upcoming games against the Green Bay Packers and, New York Jets. Historically, the team has not won a game without Lamb playing (0–3). Before this update from Morse, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, Stephen Jones, commented on Lamb’s injury.
Jones stated, “I think we’ve got to evaluate the full thing and see how he’s moving around as the day goes,” Jones said. “Certainly, he’s got a high ankle sprain, and every one of those is different. We’d love to have him back for Green Bay, but at the same time, we also have to understand the injury is what it is, and we’ll play it out.” This cautious approach indicates the team’s intent to prioritize Lamb’s long-term health over a rushed return.
Lamb’s absence leaves a significant void in the Cowboys’ offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott will need to rely on other receivers to step up in Lamb’s place. George Pickens is expected to take on a larger role, and tight end Jake Ferguson may also see increased opportunities. The likely backups would be wideout KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Tolbert, apart from George Pickens. The team will need to adjust its offensive strategies to compensate for the loss of its top receiver.
Apart from this news, the fantasy football owners who were highly confident about CeeDee Lamb are in big trouble. With an expected absence of 3–4 weeks, Lamb will miss at least the next two games, making his earliest potential return in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers.
In his absence, George Pickens becomes a valuable fantasy option. In focus, tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receiver Kavontae Turpin are also expected to see increased opportunities. Fantasy managers should consider picking up Quentin Johnston of the Chargers, who is having a breakout season and remains available in most leagues.
Now, the only question is, perhaps a strong litmus test will be the Green Bay Packers game in Week 4, which will show us what plan B the Cowboys have in the offensive squad when Lamb is questionable.
Comments 2