One of the bright spots for HC Brian Schottenheimer in the unflattering season was perhaps his team’s offensive line. With CeeDee Lamb joined by adequate running mates, preseason predictions said they might as well emerge as the NFL’s top 10. But three weeks in, a rhythm disruption threatens the Cowboys, thanks to the injury bug. 

Dallas lost both Lamb and Tyler Booker to a high ankle injury in the game against the Bears in Week 3. It meant the once-reliable O-line was now left searching for stability. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jerry Jones said that they were considering placing Lamb on Injury Reserve, making space for another spot on the roster. But Schottenheimer’s response suggests he is not ready to disturb the lineup more than it already is. 

Cowboys reporter Calvin Watkins revealed that the HC said, “No, I still think we’re not forced to do anything right now,” when asked if Lamb or Tyler were being moved to IR.

Injury reserve – that requires a player to miss four games – or not, both the players are expected to miss 3-4 weeks going by the nature of the injury. Moreover, history says (Pro Athlete Physical Therapy) that one quarter of the WRs who have attempted to return from a high ankle sprain within two weeks, reinjured their ankle. 

From another view, Schottenheimer’s reply suggests that neither of the players incurred an injury serious enough to keep them out for a month. But the duo has been too crucial to make a hasty return that could pose a risk. Lamb recorded 16 receptions for 222 yards across the first two games. Booker, on the other hand, has kept the running game effective while being solid in pass protection. 

In their absence, players like George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and standout tight end Jake Ferguson are expected to step into bigger roles. There are worthy prospects among the likes of Traeshon Holden and Tyler Boyd if the Cowboys ever decide to place Lamb on IR, but the HC has made up his mind about ignoring the void the WR and Booker have left for now. 

“We’re good enough to beat the Packers without CeeDee and Book and the guys we could be missing,” Schottenheimer said. “But the only way you do that is if you play well and execute, and if you don’t, you put yourself in a tough spot. So, we have to do that.” 

Neither Lamb, nor Booker were seen at practice this week. So their return timeline still remains uncertain. On NFL Sunday though, the HC will really need his O-line to step up. There are little hopes from the defense which ranks near the bottom in allowing yards per game. Naturally and unfortunately, the pressure is being laid on one specific player. 

Jerry Jones pushes Pickens into the spotlight

Jerry Jones has sent a clear message this week: George Pickens, acquired from the Steelers, must step up now. With Lamb’s injury throwing a wrench into Dallas’ aerial attack, Pickens is expected to be Dak Prescott’s go-to guy. In recent games, Pickens logged 13 receptions for 166 yards, showing flashes but now facing the pressure to consistently deliver at a higher volume. As Lamb recovers, Pickens’ opportunity grows, but so does the weight on his shoulders.

Jerry, in his appearance on 105.3 The Fan, highlighted the challenge ahead. “Lamb is quite a challenge, especially playing this Green Bay team, an outstanding Green Bay team. So, Lamb is going to present quite a challenge for us and gonna have guys like Pickens, those guys, step up for us,” Jones said. 

Pickens has shown potential with some highlight-worthy plays, including a memorable one-handed catch against the Chicago Bears. But now the narrative shifts from potential to performance under pressure. With fans and analysts watching closely, his ability to fill Lamb’s void could define the Cowboys’ offensive trajectory over the critical next few games.