The Dallas Cowboys lost one of their strongest weapons in Week 3: CeeDee Lamb. With a high-ankle sprain, he’s expected to stay out for four to six weeks. This means they need reinforcements. 

To fill in the gap left by Lamb, the Cowboys have brought back Parris Campbell. He’s been added to the practice squad after around two months of being cut by Jerry Jones due to injury. But, as they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. “Veteran WR Parris Campbell is back in Dallas on the practice squad after being released during camp,” reported Cowboys reporter Nick Harris. 

The front office came to this decision when Buddy Johnson signed with the Indianapolis Colts from the Cowboys’ practice squad. It created an opening, with perfect timing of a crisis in the receiving corps. Besides Lamb, wide receiver Jonathan Mingo will also be sitting out the upcoming few weeks. 

Campbell joined Dallas back in March for a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. However, it didn’t end very well. He was let go in early August after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL. So, of course, before bringing him on board, the Cowboys made sure he was medically cleared to take on the field. 

For those unfamiliar with the name, Campbell’s journey in the NFL began in 2019 with the Colts. He started 24 games in four seasons there, recording 983 yards and 97 catches, and four scores. He then moved to the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, but on a one-season basis, and it didn’t get extended. Still, his one year with Philly turned quite fortunate, earning him a Super Bowl ring even though he didn’t set foot on the gridiron in the entire playoffs. 

He will be joining Jalen Cropper, Jalen Brooks, and Traeshon Holden in the receiving room in the practice squad. In Week 4, Cropper filled in for Lamb, but the team has yet to decide whether he’ll continue in the position. With Campbell in the picture now, perhaps the Cowboys might test his arm sooner than later. 

CeeDee Lamb’s return timeline uncertain

Before the receiving corps becomes a patchwork, the Cowboys need Lamb back. But there are dark skies ahead. The projected timeline for his return is four to six weeks, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. However, when head coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked for a possible timeline, his responses felt uncertain. Could there be a longer absence on the table? 

“We reserve the right to change our mind,” was all Schottenheimer said. He didn’t say explicitly, but the Cowboys don’t seem to know the exact timeline to have their strongest arm back. On the other hand, it makes sense to take a cautious approach with Lamb’s recovery, especially after Dallas put on a strong offensive performance against one of the league’s better defenses. 

The Cowboys have two games coming up that look winnable, against the Jets and Panthers. Those give them a real chance to be patient with Lamb and make sure he’s 100% before getting him back out there. If they can score 40 points against a team like the Packers without Camp, things aren’t as dire as they appear to be. 

If Dallas had a clear date for Lamb’s return,  they wouldn’t even entertain the IR option. The primary concern for the Cowboys isn’t the offense. It’s the defense, which continues to struggle, surrendering 40 points against Green Bay. Adjusting without Micah Parsons is indeed tough, but the season is taking a turn where the Cowboys need to have these things sorted. Otherwise, even Lamb’s return wouldn’t take the Dallas.