The Dallas Cowboys are staring down the barrel of their toughest offensive challenge this season. CeeDee Lamb, arguably their top offensive weapon, is sidelined with a high ankle sprain that could keep him out for 3 to 4 weeks. Against a suffocating Green Bay Packers defense, ranked No. 1 in scoring defense.

The Cowboys’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as they prepare for Week 4’s divisional slugfest, with pressure mounting on Dak Prescott and the depleted offense. But the head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, made a critical move to address their glaring void.

The team finally made a move after coach Schottenheimer confirmed CeeDee Lamb won’t land on injured reserve. The Cowboys have promoted WR Jalen Cropper from the practice squad. Cropper now faces the tough task of stepping in while the offense tries to find its rhythm.

Cropper, an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, entered the NFL in 2023 with modest fanfare. He’s bounced between the practice squad and active roster, appearing in only one NFL game so far. A small debut during the 2024 Week 9 blowout loss to the Eagles, where he played 12 offensive snaps and contributed on special teams.

Now Cropper steps into one of the league’s toughest WR roles against a Packers defense notorious for shutting down passing attacks. He’s got huge shoes to fill, not just those of CeeDee Lamb, but also the expectations of a team desperate for offensive playmakers.

Cropper’s the official Lamb stand-in, but really, it’s on guys like George Pickens, KaVonte Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jake Ferguson to step up big time. Easier said than done, though. Dallas looked completely lost on offense once Lamb went down in Week 3.

The Cowboys are 1-2 so far, including a tough loss to the New York Giants in Week 2. Their defense has been shaky, letting in 92 points. It’s no secret they’re feeling Micah Parsons’ absence after trading him to the Packers. But here’s a silver lining.

Schottenheimer breaks down defensive health

On the other side of the ball, Schottenheimer gave promising updates about DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs. “We’re excited DaRon is coming back, and Trevon is dealing with some stuff, like guys have to do,” Schottenheimer said. “Awesome to see him come back in the game last week. Got the shoulder dinged up and then came back in to play and make a couple physical plays, was great to see.”

Bland is expected back soon, which should help a lot on defense. Diggs, meanwhile, is battling shoulder issues but showed grit last week, making key plays despite the injury. “The best news of all is getting Daron back because that gives you the flexibility to do the things that you need to do,” Schottenheimer added. He also made it clear: winning without CeeDee Lamb is possible, just going to take a whole team effort.

The defense has struggled mightily, 92 points allowed in just three games, partly due to Parsons’ exit. But there is a glimmer of hope. Week 4 will be a test. The Cowboys face the Packers on the road. Parsons will play Dallas for the first time since the trade. Expect sparks on both sides of the ball.